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At the Village of Glendale Council meeting on Monday August 6, there were several residents who spoke about the practicality of the Fire Department. They cite the economics/cost of the Fire Department and the infrastructure of the Village and how it is able to fight fires. Joe Greene said that the quality of the department and the cost to run it is a concern. When one looks at other communities with Fire Departments, they have larger population and fund them through tax base, levies, etc. Bob Trumpy said that he has had two fires at his home(s) since he has lived in Glendale. The Fire Department had to run the hoses down by Century Inn to get adequate water pressure/flow. This is due to Glendale’s infrastructure. Captain Tungate said that the Fire Department is concerned with safety and protection. A portion of the department’s cost is related to the contract with Woodlawn. The upgrades to the fire station, which has men and women working together, is needed. Woodlawn’s Fire Department responds whether it is under contract or not (mutual aid). Glendale’s average response time is three minutes. Woodlawn’s varies on how busy they are. Currently the Glendale department is working on the insurance survey which affects the ISO numbers or how much one pays for insurance in a community.
Mary Goldberg said that when she and her late husband (Hal) did a survey to see if residents wanted a Fire Department, only two residents said no. Ms. Goldberg also urged the Village to take care to see what impact developments have on the Village. Young people do not have the concerns for the Village the way older people do, they don’t want taxes raised or show concern for the Village itself or the schools. She said as caretakers of the Village, they need to be aware of the impact on the Village when they make decisions.
A lady spoke about how the Fire Department showed up right away when she had a problem with her water heater. Her pilot light went out. The department is not allowed to light it, but checked out the system while there. Later, Duke Energy showed up to light the pilot for her. She also enjoyed the Shakespeare in the Park performance and hopes that they will continue.
Mayor Joe Hubbard spoke about the long hours that the Fire Committee spent on the decision to bring back the Fire Department. They looked at costs and facts related to the decision. Although they have had some costs, Rescue Truck for $25,000, turn out gear $30,000 and the fact that the budget will be reduced now that they can release the contract with Woodlawn. The Fire Department is busy strengthening the services of other communities like Woodlawn and Sharonville. The Village has set a course and they need to stay on it.
Council tabled their first ordinance to amend the codified ordinances related to large trucks. After a discussion of the terminology, it was tabled to make sure it will be what they are trying to achieve. Then Council passed all the ordinances on the agenda: amending zoning code; to increase expenditures for work on Albion; renewal of the employees’ health care plan; paying VPGI project invoices (North Troy Bridge); allow to make applications for 2008 grant money; allow Mayor to contract with economic developer (will only work when a huge development comes to the Village); award sidewalk and ramp project for 2008 to R.A. Miller Company. Council also passed two resolutions: allow application for DARE grant funds; accepting the 2008 budget (hearing previously held earlier.) Walter Cordes explained that the Village received a grant for $74,000 to bring the ramps up to ADA standards. The village can apply again in two years.
Mayor Joe Hubbard noted that the Shakespeare in the Park event was great. He thanked all involved for the event. He, too, hopes it will continue.
Jenny Kilgore reported as Vice Mayor. She attended the Chamber of Commerce’s grill
out meeting as well as the last Planning Partnership meeting. At the meeting she
learned that any community that is part of First Suburbs Consortium can use their
(First Suburbs’) 501-
Carol Muntz provided information about Princeton School District’s last meeting. They approved the solicitation for bids for school buses. They tightened the policy that applies to students in the eleventh grade whose parents move, but the students want to remain in the district. There was a good Powerpoint report on Scarlet Oaks. The Superintendent has some concerns with the Ombudsman program. They will look into it further before the program begins. The district was upset about an article in a daily paper that spoke about the high cost to run the district, due to the high salaries of administration in the district. They also declared a necessity for a $139 million bond levy. This is for the middle and high school. As it stands, Glendale Elementary is on target to be open on schedule for school.
Dr. William Aronstein spoke about the finances. He noted that the Village is in sound position. He also spoke about the Laws, Claims and Miscellaneous Committee. They met and sent some items back to the Planning Commission. They also provided the Planning Commission information about bed and breakfast businesses. A Laws, Claims and Miscellaneous Committee was set for Wednesday, August 22 at 6:00 pm.
Jenny Kilgore reported for the Fire Committee. Fire Chief Michael Finney has set operational procedures which are being reviewed. They are working on recruitment and training. The department has invited other departments to the Friday night grill outs. The Fire Committee met, check the website for details.
Fire Chief Finney updated everyone on the rescue truck. It should come in a week or two. The department has been training with Woodlawn on each department’s equipment. They continue to train with Sharonville’s Fire Department. September is Disaster Preparedness Month. This is for residents as well. They need to take a look at how they stand in case of a disaster. They have posted for the open Assistant Chief’s position. They had two big incidents, a Metro Bus fire and an industrial accident where the person wasn’t hurt.
Debbie Grueninger said the Police Committee did not meet. She did speak with Police Chief Dave Warman and Mr. Cordes about the donation fund. They are looking at ways it can be administered properly.
Chief Warman said he spent time with Mr. Cordes and was amazed about how much grant
money that Mr. Cordes has been able to get. The Police Department has fans for those
who need them. They have three fans, they could use more to help out those without
any fans or air conditioning. It was a busy month (July) and the officers worked
hard on traffic patrol. They had a couple of big thefts, they have suspects that
they are pursuing. Chief Warman passed out information to Council about the man who
raped two juveniles in Symmes Township, Chien Tai-
Ephriam Swafford spoke to everyone about Mr. Cordes’ ability to get grants. He noted
that if one went back, they would find that they probably have received $1 million
in grants. He appreciates all the money that has been saved. Mr. Swafford spoke about
the project of sidewalks along Sharon Road. The sidewalk area has been marked and
the residents are happy with it. Bids went out for the 2007 Street Program. Bids
have to be in by August 20. They are taking a three-
Monica Alles-
Ms. Grueninger said the Utilities Committee met on the 11th. They went over the I and I ordinance (increasing expenditures for Albion project). They made repairs and put in coating on the lines. The money should be sufficient for the testing and repairs.
Mr. Cordes explained the problem with the north well. It had very little capacity
and flow as compared to the other well. While cleaning and working on the well, the
company noticed a lot of sediment and that the building was sinking. The well has
finally failed. It was originally a 12-
Ms. Grueninger said that the plant project is on schedule and set a Utilities Committee meeting for 7:00 on August 22.
At the end of the meeting, the Village was under discussion about getting a study to address the water flow/hydrants in the Village. Their last study was 12 years ago. They have implemented most of the recommendations. The committee will revisit the work that needs done.