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Covering the Valley Since 1982
There was excitement in the air at the St. Bernard Council meeting on Thursday, March
5. Mayor Bill Burkhardt introduced the City’s mascot, a still un-
In his report, Mayor Burkhardt thanked Curtis Walden for representing the City on March 16 for the Mayor for Meals campaign. This program is part of the Meals on Wheels program. It is the seventh year for the Mayor for Meals and Mayor Burkhardt read a Proclamation stating that from March 16 through 20 is Mayor for Meals Campaign Week.
The application deadline has passed for the summer employment for the City. They will review all applications and send out letters to applicants by the end of March. City Hall will be open Saturday, March 14 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Recreation staff will be on hand to sell pool passes. The price will remain the same as last year and they will also be selling grandparent passes again which is limited to four grandchildren with extra grandchildren costing $5 per child.
Mayor Burkhardt noted that the St. Bernard Women’s Club is accepting donations for
troops overseas. Please drop off non-
Mayor Burkhardt recognized Officer Eric Minshall who was hurt while on duty. He is in all thoughts and prayers. Mayor Burkhardt asked for an executive session to discuss the purchase of property.
Walter St. Clair informed everyone that he distributed his February reports. Expenditures for February were $749,607 and expenditures through the end of February were $1,785,607. Mr. St. Clair spoke about the resolution to provide a letter of credit for the distribution of up to $1,000,000 in loans to the CIC (Community Improvement Corporation) for future projects. He also talked about the ordinance to allow him to transfer funds, provide additional appropriations and to establish new line items (FEMA accounts). Mr. St. Clair had discussed all the items in the ordinance except for the Health Department license fees. (The ordinance passed.)
Jamie Sipe acknowledged that the receipts for February were $712,238, through the end of February were $1,356,792. He also urged the passage of the ordinance and resolution spoken about by Mr. St. Clair. This will allow them to take care of the problem with the issue with the bond repayment. They will save some money if paid early. This will also allow the CIC to have money for its use.
Rodney Chatman provided the Police Department report for February. He also pointed out that the new police cruiser was in front of City Hall prior to the meeting. It has the latest safety features and equipment. The new lights and features will help keep the officers safe. There was a meeting of the Block Watch program prior to the Council meeting. Mr. Chatman remains encouraged about the program and the input by residents. He found the conversations interesting. Lastly, Mr. Chatman spoke briefly about the Police Department’s gunlock program. They will not “big brother” anyone or ask a lot of questions but want to provide free safety locks for handguns. Just come to the police station for the correct one.
Phil Stegman gave his report and asked Council to approve the ordinance for the Municipal Building roof and also for additional money for the roof as well. There was $50,000 appropriated, the winning bid was $76,275, so the ordinance for the additional money needs passed. (Council passed the ordinance.) They would like to begin work on March 10 and have it completed before the rainy season begins. (The building will remain open for the Seniors, Fitness Center and Library, access will be maintained. Mr. Stegman will keep them informed.) The City had three more sewer catch basins needing replaced, costing $1990. There was a sewer line break above the ceiling in the Teen Center Hall. It cost about $2200. Mr. Stegman wanted to let Council know how money is being spent. These were not budgeted items.
Duke Energy will be working on two transformers in Alpine Heights on March 10 with a weather date of March 11. Power will be off from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm, it might not be that long, but Duke wants to cover themselves. Mr. Stegman asked those involved to unplug their appliances.
Mr. Stegman spoke to the people who were delivering flyers via their car windows. He has asked them to stop until they can place the flyers onto porches or door handles.
Mr. Stegman wanted citizens to know that the new salt the City purchased was brown. It came from Peru. It is pure salt, it is not sand. Mr. Stegman also asked to be put onto the COW agenda to discuss an invoice from last year.
Edward Geiser had no report but complimented the efforts of Mr. Stegman since he took over as Service Director. He takes care of problems right away and Mr. Geiser appreciates how Mr. Stegman is getting things done right away.
Patty Hausfeld gave the Fire Department report for February. The department performed inspections for sprinklers and for permits and had several training sessions. Ms. Hausfeld noted that citizens could keep the City safer by watching Crimestoppers and viewing their Most Wanted Criminals. They provide money for tips on crime.
Don Tobergte informed residents about how they helped save 3,037 trees by recycling.
In 2008, the City recycled 351 tons of metal, glass, plastic and paper. On the average,
each household in St. Bernard recycled 339 pounds in 2008, that is 11.4 percent of
the waste generated. If you would like to recycle but don’t have a bin, call 242-
Mike Peck reminded everyone of the Laws, Contracts and Claims Committee would meet on Thursday, March 12 at 6:30 prior to the COW meeting. They will discuss a number of ordinances, one related to satellite dishes. They asked for Walt Moeller to attend.
Peggy Brickweg sadly announced that Graeter’s would be building their plant in Bond Hill. The City of Cincinnati provided a number of incentives such as providing five acres on Paddock Road and a loan of $10 million for the development. It is not a done deal yet, it still needs voted on by Cincinnati Council.
The City of St. Bernard was not chosen by the Main Street program. They want to focus on historical preservation. Al Kanters believes that the work made on the program was not in vain. He feels that the work helped formalize the approach for the Vine Street revitalization. The City can pay to join Main Street program as an Associate Member . They would not be able to use the Main Street name. This matter will be discussed more at the next Main Street Committee now to be the Vine Street Committee meeting on March 18 at 5:00 pm, before the CIC Board meeting. This might work out well as St. Bernard could use the portions of the Main Street program that they want.
Sue Kathman read a letter from a resident who thanked the paramedics and EMS crew for their assistance when they fell and broke a leg. They feel that St. Bernard is truly blessed with these people on staff.
Mr. Tobergte motioned to have an executive session to discuss property acquisition and personnel issues and Council voted approval.
Under New Business Mr. Tobergte asked about taxes coming in lower than usual. Ms. Brickweg asked Mr. Geiser to check to see if taxes were down across the board and report back. Mr. Geiser noted that the City received a large check at the end of last year and items like that does effect this year’s reports.
Mr. Tobergte asked about the police comp time, they have used thirty percent of budget in two months. Mr. Chatman will look into it and get back. They will discuss it at the next COW.
Mr. Tobergte asked Mr. Stegman if the Service Department could clean up the garbage set out at Delmar and Sullivan from an apartment building and Mr. Stegman stated he would.
Under New Business Greg Zix had the item of discussing the gateway signage put on the agenda at the next COW meeting.
Ms. Brickweg announced that Mr. Kanters would be attending the next COW meeting to address questions.
Cindi Bedinghaus asked to have the Audit Committee (that legally needs to be formed) put on the COW agenda. Ms. Brickweg said that this committee was suggested by the state audit to watch over finances since Council is responsible. It was recommended to have a local CPA run the committee. This is important and needs taken seriously.
Mr. Chatman spoke about the weight loss challenge the different City departments would be participating in. It will run from March 14 to April 25 and will not have embarrassing public weigh ins. They teach healthier ways of living and a lifestyle change to encourage improved fitness to the participants.
Ms. Hausfeld stated she has been approached by citizens to have a walk marked with
mile markers for those who want a walking routine. Mr. Chatman remarked that the
Recreation Committee has plans submitted to them for a one-