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The City of Reading Council met on Tuesday, August 7. A lady from the audience said she spoke with Bob Ashbrock earlier that day. She said they talked about the possibility of making Church Street a two-way street. Mr. Asbrock said that this could be done as part of the sewer project, this would be helpful to the businesses in the area and also help access to a parking lot that is in the area. The lady spoke in favor of the change. Mr. Ashbrock will study the matter further.

Ken Nordin said the Finance Committee met earlier. He thanked Bob Boehner and all department heads for compiling a list for the 2008 appropriations. The finances are positive and the Treasurer’s report shows things are looking good. Halfway through the year, they are at 51.4 percent of appropriations. The pool is at 99 percent, but that season is almost finished.

Jim Pfennig said that he attended a CAC meeting at Rohm and Haas regarding updating of technology of power plants.  They are placing a reservoir to withhold water before it is released into the Mill Creek. There will be a lot of truck traffic around Rohm and Haas. The project should take four to six weeks. Also school will be starting soon, watch for children.

Jim Champlin updated everyone on the streets and curbing project. The BP station on Benson had its pumps removed,. They received good news about the reduction of flood insurance, they could get ten percent reduction instead of five. Mr. Champlin updated everyone on the Duke Energy analysis of the incident in February. Bottom line, there was a short in the system. It may have been cused by a squirrel or or other animal. According to Duke, since it was not equipment or human error, they are not at fault.   

After an executive session, Mr. Champlin made a motion to have the City engage in legal assistance with an environmental agency to do a study on the property before acquisition.

Mary Pletz announced a free Movie Night at Koenig Park on Thursday, August 16. The movie “Happy Feet” will begin at 8:00 or 8:30 pm (when dark). There will be a complimentary snack and drink for each child. Call City Hall for more information at 733-3725. Family Fun Night at the pool (for Reading residents) will be Friday, August 17 from 7:00 to 10:00 pm. The cost is $10 per family, you can bring guests. They will offer water games, popcorn, drinks and door prizes. Call the City Pool to learn more at 769-5085. The City got a grant for $58,000 for improvements to Observatory Park.

Bob Ashbrock reported that the Zoning, Planning and Environment Committee met last week. They are only getting small feedback from the developers of the property at Reading and Columbia. He would like to see this portion of land be changed to a Planned Development District. The zoning code may need changing as well, it states size must be three acres and the site is less than that. His committee will need to meet to consider the matter before it heads to the Planning Commission. A meeting was set for August 28 at 6:30 pm. At the meeting last week, they also discussed garages. There are about 15 different sections of zoning code that will need to be changed. Mr. Ashbrock will compile the information into a document form.

Mr. Ashbrock noted that the Steering Committee for the Master Plan met. They received the information compiled by consultants. They will meet again in early September. There is a public hearing set  for November 12 to allow the public to look at the information, graphs and items related to the Master Plan.  

Mr. Nordin complimented the efforts of the Reading Blue Racers swim team. The 31-member team had 25 members score points. Coaches did an excellent job. He also noted that the Alumni Soccer game was won by Alumni. He thanked Darrell Courtney and staff for a quick repair to a fence. He also remarked that there are tree stumps in the right of way that the City may want to address.

Mr. Pfennig asked why street striping was being done on a Saturday morning; it was to get it done with less traffic.

Mr. Boehner gave his report. He met with Rumpke about their truck damage to a driveway on Hill Street. The adjoining property owners will patch it. He met with representatives of McCluskey about the options and sites for their move out of the Nivision building. He met with the library people and the demolition company about the demolition of the old green building on Reading Road. Mr. Boehner and Mayor Bemmes met with representatives of the Millcreek Watershed Council about the flood insurance rating program. The possible reduction is only available to those who live in the flood plain. There is a pre-construction meeting regarding the street program on Thursday. They expect work to begin on Lory Lane and Trailridge within a week to ten days. Curb work will also occur on Sanborn Court, Lenore, Julie Ann, Keith, West Crest and Krylon.

Mr. Boehner explained how they want to eliminate curb cuts near Valley Central. The City received a grant for the two tennis courts at Observatory Park. They received a grant for $172,000 from Homeland Security that will be used for cameras and for equipment for police cars. They will work on the basketball courts at Koenig Park after they address the drainage problem.  

Mayor Bemmes gave his report. The SPCA removed dogs from a home on West Crest Drive. The owner was cited for health violations and cruelty to animals. Road patrol continues in areas of concern. Officer Ellison of the Police Department received a letter of thanks from a resident for his assistance in location a missing elderly person. The Fire Department received a $5,000 EMS grant from the Ohio Department of Public Safety for training and equipment needs. Regarding Exterior Maintenance, Rick Martin received 102 calls of complaint and sent out 88 letters regarding general clean up to businesses and residents. There were two citations this past month. The pool inspection showed that the pool is in great shape and the liner should last about 15 years or more. The City is working with Hilltop School to inform parents about the construction that will be occurring near the school.

Mayor Bemmes announced the Sts. Peter and Paul Academy’s picnic on August 24 starting at 5:00 pm at Koenig Park. This is the evening of the raffle of the Corvette. They will have food, beverages, games and more. Go to ssppacademy.org for more information. The Valley Youth Organization needs help with their book. They are looking for stories, names and pictures. Call Bonnie Rack at 673-7225. Mayor Bemmes noted that the pool hours will change due to lack of attendance to 10:00 am to 6:00 pm weekdays. The pool will not close if there are enough people to warrant keeping it open.

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