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The evening of September 11 began at Patriot Pointe with a memorial to the “Struggle Against Terrorism.” It began with  the Presentation of Colors from the Sharonville, Police and Fire Honor Guard, the Princeton High School A Cappella Choir, Troop 803 of the Boy Scouts and keynote speaker James Raussen. The monument “Struggle Against Terrorism” was described by the artisan who designed it, Nancy Holian. A moment of silence was held before the placing of the Wreath on the monument by Sharonville Police and Fire Departments. It ended with the 21-gun salute by Paul Vail VFW Post and American Legion Post and Taps played by Larry DuPree. The flyover was by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit.

At the council meeting, Mayor Lovitt began his report by thanking all involved with the prior event at Patriot Pointe. He noted that he and others are getting a lot of calls related to the RELIS property. Perhaps due to the Board of Education’s meeting where it was stated that they spoke to the Sharonville Zoning Board and they thought the proposed plan would pass. This prompted Mayor Lovitt to state that he has never known the zoning board to give instant approval, especially when they have not seen the exact plans. This is an objective and long process (see page 15 for more information).

Ted Mack asked Council to give a Voice Vote to provide $12,000 in an existing capital fund for the installation of a Traffic Preemption System at the intersection of Chester/ Kemper Roads to make responses by emergency vehicles safer and more timely through the intersection. Council approved it.

Mr. Mack also complimented the efforts of Officer Hugentobler at a business on the early morning of September 6. The officer responded to an alarm and found a person leaving a business. The person worked for the business, but was taking petty cash and other property. All property was recovered and the suspect arrested.

Christine Thompson spoke about the two biggest winners/losers in the City’s participation in the weight loss competition (across Hamilton County) in the Battle of the Bulge. Scott Lofland and Adrien Gertz, RN took off the most pounds, Scott lost 60 pounds and Adrien lost 30. Both complimented the program and would like to see it continue in Sharonville. Ms. Thompson also complimented Lt. John Cook for his hard work with the Police Association and the event held earlier at Patriot Pointe.

Mark Piepmeier and Bill Breyer noted that they had distributed their report. The City is on target with their budget and are ahead with collections.

Thomas Keating said he is worried about a lawsuit filed against the Northern Cincinnati Convention and Visitors Bureau to deny Hamilton County funds for things like the film commission. This could be applied to other items too. They want the Cincinnati Convention Center only to get the money. Mr. Keating spoke about a property on Route 42 in Butler County which would like to be annexed by Sharonville. He will notify Council members of the pros and cons of the issue to help them make a decision.

Kerry Rabe reported that the Building and Planning Department continues to work with businesses outside the City’s jurisdiction to relocate and to retain the businesses already here. Fisher Homes submitted a Planned Unit Development pre-application packet regarding the RELIS property.

Greg Pugh provided the Public Works Department report. The Street Program for this year is 95 percent complete. The Curb and Sidewalk Program is pretty much finished. Prus Construction has done some call-in repairs about Sharonville. They have left town but will return to work on sidewalks needing repairs. Mr. Pugh spoke about the failing air conditioning unit at the Police Department. They need a new compressor. They are getting estimates for a new or rebuilt one. Princeton Bridge received repairs to reinforce the supporting metal and the floor had new metal welded in where holes had developed. Pedestrian signal heads have been ordered for the crosswalks at Dunkin Donuts and Route 42. The crosswalk will be painted soon. The stop bar is too close to the sidewalks and will be repainted.

Mr. Pugh continued his report about the new guardrail that was installed on Fields Ertel Road. The next step is to have a fortress rock wall installed, about four feet high and 45 feet long with geo-grid and rebar, to reinforce the banks along the roadway. A tour of the downtown area was taken on August 30 to look at ways to improve or renovate the looks. CDS will make a concept plan and then present it to Council. The Route 42 Bridge over I-275 is on schedule and is due to open to all traffic on September 30.

Rob Tankersley noted in his Police Department report for September that Officers Davis and Dudleson have begun their assignments as School Resource Officers for Princeton and Scarlet Oaks respectively. Officer Baarlaer in her new role has been active with several community relations programs and has visited schools and businesses with information about Terrorism Preparedness. The department is in the process of setting up interviews for two replacement officers to be held the first and second weeks of October.

Vicki Hoppe read a letter from the American Red Cross who thanked the City and especially Linda Reynolds who provided them a place to hold swim lessons when a pool was closed at another facility.  

Janey Kattelman announced that the Law Committee will meet September 19 at 4:30 pm. Then she described the recent findings at the new Fine Arts Center (formerly Act I Theater). Underneath the old façade, they found a brick front with an archway and windows. This was all in good condition. They will need to clean the bricks. The old marquee will come down. This was a tremendous discovery and saves a tremendous amount of work and money. Ms. Kattelman spoke about the previous Town Meetings. Although there was not much turn out, the word got out about how good they are. The department heads and members of Council and Administration attend to handle questions and provide an exchange of information. Mayor Lovitt complimented Ms. Kattelman on her work with the old theater. He noted that they need less money than was previously thought.

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