Serving These Communities

Covering the Heart of Hamilton County Since 1983

The City of Reading Council meeting on Tuesday, September 18 opened with a Public Hearing about the Research and Development District. Linda Fitzgerald explained that the hearing was for consideration of the creation of the District for the old Nivison-Weiskopf property. This zoning change will provide assurance that the City will concentrate on getting businesses for the site that are dedicated to scientific research or similar.

Ken Nordin spoke about the General Fund in his report. They are running about 6.5 percent ahead and things look good.. At the last Finance Committee meeting, they looked at capital spending for 2008. They want to start taking a look at projections for future years.

Jim Pfennig spoke about the Police Chief’s request to get two more police officers. The Police Chief will attend the October 24 meeting.

Lee Roth noted that he attended the Finance Committee meeting. He wants to hold a meeting to discuss the needs of the Service Department.

Jim Champlin updated everyone about the streets and curbing project for this year. They are still looking at an October 1 date to begin the Pompano/ Leelanau project. He then spoke about the projects for next year. They are looking into new sources for funding for some streets. One that might be eligible is North and South Kathwood. They intend to do Orchard Knoll and hope to do the North Waxwing and Maple Tree areas as  well. They will continue to maintain and update the list as needed for next year. The City is hopeful to get legal environmental work for the project at Benson and Reading. Mr. Gertz asked to have Jefferson Street considered for next year as it was torn up by the gas main work.

Mr. Nordin made a motion to have construction documents drawn up for engineering for the Maple Tree subdivision to go out for bids. Council approved the motion.

Mary Pletz announced that the VYO Basketball signups will be held the next two Saturdays at Haffey Fieldhouse. She scheduled a tentative Recreation Committee meeting for October 2 at 6:30 pm to discuss next year’s appropriations, Halloween celebrations and the pool budget. .

Bob Ashbrock stated his committee discussed and approved the Research and Development District. He attended the meeting for the Steering Committee and the Comprehensive Master Plan. The members of the Steering Committee have faithfully executed their endeavors and everyone can see the results at the Public Open House on November 12 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm in Council Chambers. They have discussed garages in the committee and have made a list of the issues in the code concerning them.

Mr. Ashbrock complimented the City staff who worked diligently to keep the flowers looking great in spite of the drought. It adds to the quality of life for residents. He would like to see other aesthetic aspects added to the City like a gateway or other ideas for improvements.

Tony Gertz said his Laws and Contracts Committee is working on interior/exterior property maintenance codes.  Mr. Gertz commented on the work being done at Church and Pearl Streets for the new sewers. This will improve the flooded areas. He complimented the new business directory, it is a handy tool for residents.

Mr. Nordin said he made a call to the City about blood-borne pathogens. A person was concerned when blood got on the side of their home and wanted to know the process for clean up. He also got a call about the increase in crime in the Gahl Terrace area. The Police Chief wants to hire two officers to assist with the problem.

Bob Boehner gave his Safety Service Director’s report. He attended the Blue Ribbon Committee meeting on September 5. On September 10 he attended the public meeting regarding the Church Street as well as the Pompano/Leelanau projects and helped answer questions. On September 11 he and others attended a meeting with Mary Axt of CMC Properties who own the Lakeshore complex about the remodeling project they have planned. The Robotics Team from Reading High School will perform an energy audit of the City Hall building as part of their state wide performance. Mr. Boehner spoke about the purchases of properties that the City has made: Redwine for $450,000; two lots on Second Street, the Nivison-Weiskopf property in 2007 for $450,000 through a JRS Grant. Mr. Boehner met with the Bridal District who stated that they are thankful for all the City does for them. He also met with the Hylant group regarding medical insurance programs for next year. He asked for an executive session to discuss potential sale of property.

Mr. Roth asked to have Mr. Boehner look into the problem with gravel on the sidewalk near the Nivison property. People with strollers have to go into the street because of the situation.

Carol Bullock Carpenter asked about the area on Galbraith where the pavement has risen. Mr. Boehner said that this was caused by the utilities pushing up the pavement. This matter is being worked on.

Mayor Robert Bemmes gave his report. He noted that the Police Department received a letter of thanks from Reading Schools regarding the electrical power failure at Hilltop School in August. Lt. Zimmerman and Lt. Carter received a letter of thanks from Butler County for their assistance with in an apprehension of a suspect wanted by the Butler County Child Support Agency. Police continue to monitor the intersection of Market and Columbia for illegal truck traffic. The police continue to monitor several nuisance bars, several arrests have been made in past weeks. Some of the communication equipment gained by the Homeland Security grant have been coming in. Mayor Bemmes attended the meeting with the Bridal District. The district is excited about the cleaning/sealing of pavers on Benson Street. They want to help find support for flower baskets on poles to help beautify the area. The City intends to send out more letters concerning the paving project for Pompano and Leelanau. Concerning Code Red, if you don’t have your phone number in the phone book or want to use a cell number to be informed by Code Red, please call City Hall.

Carol Bullock Carpenter reminded everyone of Neighbor to Neighbor picnic at the elementary school on Adams in Lincoln Heights on September 30 from 2:00 to 6:00 pm.

Home Page