Serving These Communities
Covering the Valley Since 1982
The City of Reading Council meeting on Tuesday, February 17 began with Dennis Albrinck reading the Mayor’s Court total for January, $19,106.
Bob Boehner read Mayor Robert “Bo” Bemmes’ report. It began with the congratulations to the Moeller and Reading High School Wrestling Teams, which were successful. On Saturday, February 14, Mayor Bemmes was a judge at God, Flag and Country at the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #1095 in Reading. Every year students from local schools excel at this contest.
Bob Boehner provided his Safety Service Director report. He and Mark Fitzgerald met with Mike Viox to discuss the storm water issues related to the old Redwine property. The Planning Commission met and approved a lot consolidation for the Nivison site and approved the site map for Cavett Drive.
The Design Review Committee met on February 11 and the new CVS signs were approved;
they did not approve the signs for the Reading Bridal District; they approved the
siding and trip paint for 9219 Reading Road, but voted down the sign application;
the Feed Mill will be allowed to erect a six foot wrought iron fence on the south
end of the property with conditions. The Seeskin’s sign application at 8832 Reading
Road was approved. Mr. Boehner reminded everyone that MSD (Metropolitan Sewer District)
Director James Parrott will be there on March 24 to answer questions. Mr. Parrott
will also discuss a new project called Project Groundwork. The Reading Eagles Ladies
Auxiliary is holding a Spring Fling on March 14. Proceeds will benefit the Reading
Police and Fire Departments. They need donations to help with prizes and the fundraiser.
They are tax exempt. Call the Eagles at 821-
Dave Stevenson noted that the Planning Commission approved the plat for Barrett street dedication. There are still details to work out with Lockland and Hamilton County. There will be legislation coming in the near future.
Mel Gertz provided his Treasurer’s report. He explained that the reason why January numbers were behind was due to the fact that a lot of postings did not occur until the following week. They should be close to what was collected last year. They have rounded off to $6 million what they should collect in tax money. They are now doing tax court every month stated Dave Stevenson.
Tony Gertz said that the Finance Committee has not had a meeting since last month. They are still waiting for the certification from the Budget Commission to work on Reading’s budget. Mr. Gertz explained the reasoning behind tabling the ordinance regarding the benefit package (it was tabled later on).
Jim Champlin updated everyone concerning the Third Street project. He was surprised about the amount of progress made despite the weather. He expects to receive the RFP (Request for Proposal) for North and South Kathwood in a week or so. The plans will be finalized this month for CVS Pharmacy. Mr. Champlin provided a small update about the gas aggregation program. Several other municipalities had it on the ballot last November. An overall time frame is being mapped out. So far, Reading is ahead of the game. If they stay in the program with other communities, they have the benefit of a larger purchasing group. There has been confusion about the mailings. Mr. Champlin will update everyone at Council meetings and urged patience with the program.
Bob Ashbrock said that the Zoning, Planning and Environment Committee met earlier. There was a short meeting earlier in the month that was cut short due to weather. The committee is attempting to review the Zoning Code. They are looking at definitions, overlay districts and other related items. Mr. Ashbrock hopes that it will not require a review from a consultant.
Jim Pfennig said he spoke with Police Chief Scott Snow about the program that assists seniors who live alone. Mr. Pfennig indicated he will hold a meeting later on. He also spoke about the increase in garbage Reading has had. He urged residents to use the dumpsters at the stadium. Mr. Boehner said he could obtain more dumpsters if needed. Mr. Pfennig asked if some dumpsters could be placed at the top of the hill and Mr. Boehner said he would look into it.
Lee Roth asked about the early start ups at the Third Street project. Mr. Boehner said the construction crews were made aware that they cannot begin before 7:00 am. Mr. Roth expressed concern about the large amount of dust caused by the project but also noted that there is not a lot that can be done about it. Mr. Boehner said that they will try to tie up the project as soon as they can.
Mr. Roth asked about the moving of Social Security Office from the Sunnybrook location. Mr. Boehner said he heard it was moving to Evendale. They showed them a number of sites in Reading, but they did not show interest. He heard a month ago about them moving to Evendale.
Mr. Gertz asked about the purchase of salt, he was told that the City had to purchase about 350 tons under a new contract. Mr. Gertz also complimented the attention being made to potholes in the City.
Mr. Boehner said that with the weather change, they expect another round of water main breaks. He also announced that the Service Department had received an Interdepartmental Award from the Fire Department for the clean roads. They were impressed with how well they were maintained. There were calls made to television stations about how well the crews do in Reading year round.
Albert “Bud” Elmlinger announced that the American Legion Festival will be held on July 2, 3 and 4. Fireworks will be on the fourth with the rain date on Sunday, July 5.
Mr. Gertz complimented Jim Champlin’s son Chris on obtaining the National Merit Scholar status. He also spoke about the meeting at the Eagles with guest speaker Steve Chabot on Thursday, February 19.
Mr. Ashbrock informed everyone about the seminar he attended regarding a bicycle path in Hamilton County. OKI produced a map of streets and roads that would be acceptable for a bike path. Hunt Road was recommended. They would need to work with Blue Ash to work out a path for cyclists and joggers. He feels that Reading should pursue the matter.