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Before the City of Sharonville Council meeting on Tuesday, September 25, there was a large group of people who stood outside the municipal building for a dedication. The municipal building was dedicated in honor of Rex Baysore, who served the City in different capacities for a long number of years. There was a small reception inside to allow people to gather and talk while eating delicious delicacies put together by Vicki Hoppe.

Mayor Virgil Lovitt II was first to report at the Council meeting. He complimented all who worked on the dedication of the building and thanked those who attended. He came from a meeting with a representative of the State Auditor’s Office. They are welcoming Mayor Lovitt to their advisory board. He will seek help from Amy Moore with this. Mayor Lovitt also thanked all who came and were a part of the ground breaking for the Fine Arts Building. They are 2/3 towards their fundraising goal. They found underneath the façade the original brickwork. The Fine Arts Council has now submitted new plans to include this new front to the building.

Al Ledbetter spoke about the Police Department’s assistance with the bank robbery in Blue Ash that ended on I-71 where the suspects were found by the tracking devise put in with the money. He also asked for Council to pass the ordinance to allow appropriations into various funds. Mr. Ledbetter spoke to Council about the possible selection for the empty spot in the Building Department. They are also looking to fill the Sanitation slot as well. They are working on the draft budget for 2008. There was a question at a recent Town Meeting about the money spent on sidewalks and curbs in Sharonville. They budgeted $124,000, added $26,000 for about a total of $150,000 for this year. They are also looking at the funds to redo/fix the downtown area.

Ted Mack reported that he attended the Blue Mass at the Cathedral downtown this past Sunday. This solemn ceremony honors the Police and Fire personnel who died the past year. This is a beautiful ceremony and he recommended that others attend it next year. The City closed on the Hertz property on Chester Road. (This is an important piece for the Northern Lights right of way.) Mr. Mack is still researching information regarding the sewer issues with Butler County and easements. They are looking into the documents from 1981 when the water main was put in. Mr. Mack will continue to meet with representatives from Butler County and also work with the Hamilton County Recorder’s Office.

Mayor Lovitt informed everyone that the Fisher Homes property’s plans did not sit well with the Planning Commission. They are now looking into different zoning for the property. They are planning for 299 units and 89 single family homes. They also intend to increase the square footage of the lots.

Christine Thompson thanked Ms. Hoppe for the refreshments at the earlier dedication. She also complimented the efforts of the Public Works and Recreation Departments for their landscaping at the municipal building. They worked together as a team and everything looks great. Ms. Thompson also complimented the work of Mr. Westheimer of Micro Center who has been helping out the Fine Arts Council. Ms. Thompson informed everyone that there will be City workers walking the Mill Creek to do storm water sampling, they will have identification on them. Mr. Losekamp is working to find money to address the sidewalk issue downtown. They hope to present a master plan (by CDS & Associates) to address downtown Sharonville. They will look into new pavers, lighting, etc.

Will Greiner gave his annual Convention Center report. Things have been great in the hospitality area especially with the renovations to the Sheraton and other hotels. They have seen an increase in the hotel tax revenue. They have hired a new secretary/receptionist and executive chef. They are looking to hire a Convention Sales Manager. The future proposed expansion will allow them to more than double their market. Everything is going the right way (for the expansion) at the moment. Mayor Lovitt reminded everyone that this expansion is only going to happen with help from Hamilton County and they won’t know the decision until March. They’ve already created a committee to work with the expansion and Northern Lights developments. Mr. Greiner informed everyone that this is his 15th year with the City.

Kevin Hardman passed out information about the recent application to change the zoning of the RELIS property by Fisher Homes. This will be passed on to the Planning Commission for a public hearing (which will be held in November or December). Mr. Hardman spoke about the letter sent to residents about the Hamilton County Park District clearing out trees for safety reasons. An anonymous letter was sent to the City about the property wanting to be annexed into Sharonville. The letter writer suggested that the City take a good look at the property first.

Martha Cross Funk said the City received a letter of thanks from a family who appreciated the care that they received when a loved one passed on.

Thomas Keating said he has a questionnaire that concerns the annexation of the property from Butler County into the City. He urged the Council members to treat it like it is a public document. This is preliminary work in case the annexation proceeds. The Law Committee agreed to enter the lawsuit by Mr. Brinkman regarding not allowing the hotel tax to come from Hamilton County to Sharonville.  

Vicki Hoppe thanked all who assisted with the municipal building dedication.

Rob Tankersley noted that the Law Committee met and approved the Jim Dandy Barbecue liquor license transfer.

Ms. Thompson announced that the Public Works Department found a water leak by I-75 and Sharon Road which will save the City a lot of money.

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