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The City of Sharonville Council meeting on Tuesday, January 9 itself was short, however the public meeting prior was not. The public meeting was to allow ODOT and Gannett Fleming representatives time to speak to concerned residents about the railroad grade separation project on Reading Road.
City officials and residents were informed that 60 percent of the engineering is completed. What happened since the City was informed that they were on the list was an increase in costs of 21 percent. This is asphalt, diesel fuel, steel and concrete. The project was placed on a Tier 2 list of projects for ODOT. This meant that the project was approved for engineering, but the rest of the project was dependent upon funds.
The $200 million that was previously there for Tier 2 is no longer there as the costs of Tier 1 projects ate it up in costs increases in those projects. They have $1.8 million set aside for right of way costs. However, it would be up to Sharonville to find the rest of the money for the now $21 million dollar project. The City could try to get money from OKI or other sources such as the Ohio Works Commission. Once they have the money, then they can be moved up to Tier 1. ODOT representative Rex Dickey also noted that Governor Ted Strickland has not been in office long enough to know which commitments he is willing to make with money and projects.
City officials were not happy to get this report. They felt that they were sold on the project, saying money was there and now, it is not. How can they be expected to raise the kind of money that was supposed to be given to the project by ODOT? They were told that the City would pay five percent, now they are told no money at all. The City was told that the engineering would be completed by December of 2006, now they are told that Gannett Fleming needs 18 more months to complete the engineering. (The company stated that many issues came up to delay the plan. They have to follow ODOT and federal requirements, which changed.) The City was told that it is far from a certainty that this project can be completed.
Mayor Virgil Lovitt II questioned if the City backed down from the project, will they have to pay for the engineering that was already worked on? Mr. Dickey said he did not know. He was requested to find out as soon as possible. Mayor Lovitt felt that the residents involved need answers. They have their decisions about their property on hold right now. Should they repair roofs, fix things or wait for ODOT to purchase the property for right of way.
Al Ledbetter reported after the regular meeting began. He explained the resolution related to the installation of a preemptive devise for emergency vehicles with the Moesteller Road project. He also spoke about the Fields Ertel Road project that is a combination project involving several municipalities. This ordinance will need two additional readings at the next meeting. The crosswalk at Sharonville Elementary and area have been reinstalled for the children’s safety. On January 24 the Fire Department will hold elections. Mr. Ledbetter explained that the sidewalks brought to his attention by Greg Pugh were looked at. The contractors are working on to repair them.
Janey Kattelman noted that residents are concerned about Fields Ertel. She has spoken with different ones and they would like to have a light at Scoutmaster. If there is a light put in there, this would be five lights in a one-half mile distance. She urged Mr. Ledbetter to stay on top of the project for Sharonville.
Martha Cross Funk wished a belated Happy Birthday to Jim Dygert, whose birthday was December 19.
Thomas Keating spoke about the ordinance to vacate a portion of Hageman Alley. They need to accept the land in order to get the road under the City’s control.
During the “Residents Desiring to be Heard Before Council” portion of the meeting, a gentleman spoke about the grade separation project. He spoke about the history of the project and stated the project was not even to take place as Sharonville scored so low. Gannett Fleming was aware of this but since they were guaranteed to be paid, put the project into the process anyway.
Mayor Lovitt said that he hopes the residents found the meeting with ODOT informative. Council will now need to do some soul searching about what to do with the project. Mayor Court totals for December was $38,337 which was about $6,000 ahead of December of 2005. The month was busy, mostly related to the budget.
Most of Council did not report as the public meeting ran so long. They will provide copies to Ms. Funk.
Greg Pugh reported that the warm weather in December has permitted the Public Works Department to complete some projects that normally would have to wait until spring. One of those projects was the pedestrian bridge leading from Coleman Cemetery to Creek Rd. Most of the crew had a hand in removing brush, weeds, cleaning the bridge and applying stain to the bridge. The brick pavers were installed behind Cliff Hardware, the Montessori School, and at Reading and Lebanon Rd.
Ray Britton, Chuck Knuf and Scott Lofland attended a day seminar for laying Allen Block (landscaping/retaining wall blocks) at Top Quality Bldg. Products in Lawrenceburg, Indiana on December 15. This will be useful knowledge to have for future projects.
Thanks to the Public Works crew for helping with the Christmas Fund. Delivering groceries and gifts to the Council Chambers, helping distribute and cleaning up afterwards is very much appreciated.
The sidewalk and crosswalk on Creek Rd. at Beekley Woods has been installed. Work is slated to install a pole, sign and run electricity to the sign in mid-January so children can safely cross to Sharonville Elementary School. The Adleta Co. is repairing the gas utility cuts for Duke Energy.
Letters were sent to homeowners on Thornview on January 4 to notify them the City will be trimming trees in that area after January 18.
Tom Losekamp met with the Civil Service Commission on January 4 regarding the Assistant Street Manager’s position testing process. Derek Setters gave his resignation, he will take a position with the St. Bernard Police Department.
Vicki Hoppe said that the Recreation Department will host a New Year’s Eve Bash on January 16 from 11:00 to 2:00 for ages 55 and over. It will be potluck and those attending must sign up with the Recreation Office. Monkey See, Monkey Do will be held Saturday, January 27 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm for ages K-6 grades. Pay $3 in advance, $5 at the door. Daddy/Daughter Dance, “Paradise Island” will be held February 10 from 7:00 to 9:00 for girls ages 3 to 14. Pay $9 per couple for residents, non-residents $16 per couple.
Robert Duerler announced that they are taking applications for the full-time Sanitarian. Mail resumes to Lee McNeeley or Glenda Gajus, they also are looking for an Administrative Secretary, call 563-1722 to find out more about both positions. Rhino’s Night Club hopes to open in February. They still have flu vaccine available, call the Health Department for an appointment. The Needy Family program was a huge success. Over 35 families were served. Thanks to all who helped with the Christmas program. The Health Committee made a decision, no “No Smoking” ordinance is needed at this time.
Janey Kattelman reported that the Law Committee will meet on January 17 and the first budget meeting for the Finance Committee will be January 18.
All ordinances had a first reading: assigning publication copyright to Historic Society; vacating a portion of Hageman Alley; accepting Greensfelder Lane; and the Fields Ertel Study Joint Agreement with County. Council passed the resolution for the emergency vehicle preemption agreement.