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Covering the Valley Since 1982
The City of Sharonville Council meeting on Tuesday, March 10 began with a report from Mayor Virgil Lovitt. He noted that the Mayor Court totals for February were $33,697. He has been in discussions with the county regarding the financing package for the Convention Center’s expansion. It may or may not occur tomorrow. Mayor Lovitt, with prodding from Janey Kattelman, announced he is a grandfather. His daughter and grandchild are fine.
Ted Mack spoke about the property line problem on Whisper Way. Richard Osgood and Mr. Mack have spoken with CDS and Associates about the issue. The line of the subdivision is incorrect by four feet. CDS and the subdivision’s surveyor will get together and go through both surveys. CDS has all documentation on the survey they completed.
Mr. Mack announced that they had over 90 applicants apply for the Health Commissioner position. They are in the process of going through all applications and getting the number down to a manageable amount. He then spoke about the light on Reed Hartman by the new subdivision. The light was installed and was not to be activated until it was warranted. He spoke to the inspector who did not even realize the traffic light had been installed. Mr. Mack will stay on top of the issue.
Christine Johnson informed all elected officials that the City can purchase the Code Red system through storm water funds. She also wanted input from the elected officials about an email she sent them regarding health insurance.
Bob Fisher spoke about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (federal stimulus package) and what projects the City would like to submit for money. He and others prioritized the list to a few items they will submit such as the Northern Lights/Chester Road project, the Kemper Road connector, sewer projects, the resurfacing of Moesteller Road and other projects that meet the criteria for the money.
Martha Cross Funk informed all elected officials about a thank you note that was received.
Mark Piepmeier and Al Ledbetter stated they had distributed their reports. The budget is still on track so far. However revenue is down. It is not time to get concerned yet.
Thomas Keating updated everyone on the Harmony Grove Apartments. He and Mr. Osgood have been keeping track of events. There were two really good offers made on the property. The offers were sent to the bank which will decide whether or not they are indeed worthy offers.
Jim Dygert remarked that the last Northern Lights Committee meeting, all present were updated by Tammy Riddle about the Convention Center expansion. The switch over of utilities will be done this fall. The final completion of the project is expected in 2011.
In February there were 25 organizations which convened at the Convention Center which provided $87,895 in revenue. The Center signed 31 new contracts in February.
Greg Pugh remarked about potholes in his Public Works report. The department has been busy with the asphalt patching machine to patch the holes. They have used the machine, which is on loan, with excellent results. If you see a pothole, call the Public Works Department.
Several department heads have been attending the Climate Control Initiative meetings
sponsored by Hamilton County. The meetings deal with solid waste, transportation,
energy efficiency and development. The meeting in February dealt with development
from based codes, getting buildings LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design) certified and development of plans for transportation and sidewalks to connect
all sides of the City for those who do not drive. Walkablity creates walkers, not
the other way around. The City is also looking at ways to expand inner-
Mr. Pugh noted that the specifications for the Trash Collection, Street Repairs, Curb and Sidewalk Repairs and Street Painting Programs are close to going out for bidding. Cameras were installed at Kemper and Mosteller and has helped traffic in the area.
Rob Tankersley provided the Police and Fire Department reports for February. Lt Cook
of the Police Department is working on a security program for local churches. Lt.
Bookman will take over K-
The Fire Department report acknowledged that runs are up 29 percent for the year so far. All fire equipment damaged in the Woodlawn fire has been replaced.
Vickie Hoppe spoke to everyone about the final Family Entertainment Series presentation
of the Frisch Marionettes “Wizard of Oz” at 7:00 pm on March 21 in the old gym. Tickets
are $3 per person in advance or $5 at the door. You, Me and Wii for ages 50 and over
will be held on April 9 from 11:00 am until noon. This is free and open to the public
as participants can sample different Wii games from bowling to tennis with low impact
exercise. The Wes England Concert will be held on April 15 from 10:00 to 11:00 am.
Resident and Nashville recording star Wes England will host a “Tax Relief” concert
in the multi-
The City’s Easter Egg Hunt will be held at Gower Park on Saturday, April 4 (weather
permitting) for children ages 0-
The Community Center is offering Tribal Belly Dance Lessons on Tuesday, March 17
from 6:00 to 7:00 pm. The fee is $40 for residents, $43 for non-
Chair Massage is for adults age 18 and over at the Community Center on the third
Tuesday of the month from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. They are offering a 20-
The SYO Spring Soccer practice and games begin this week; baseball, t-
Robert Duerler remarked that the Taste of Northern Cincinnati event at the Convention Center went exceptionally well. The Health Department is still getting calls about the peanut salmonella problem. There is information on the City’s web site. The Code Enforcement Task Force will be checking homes and properties in different areas of Sharonville throughout the year.
Mr. Duerler spoke briefly about the Children’s Health Fair being held at the Springdale Community Center on March 19 from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. (This program is for the third grade students from the Princeton School District and six private schools.)
The Health Department will have cholesterol screenings by appointment. Call the Health Department for details. The department will be glad to have a representative speak to your group or organization. Contact the Health Department for more information.
Janey Kattelman announced a Law Committee meeting for March 24. She also informed everyone of the coup the Fine Arts Council made with the Playhouse in the Park. The Playhouse will present the play “Theory of Mind” with their own players at the new Theater in the Fine Arts Center in downtown Sharonville. The Sharonville Fine Arts Council will sell the tickets and receive the money as part of a new program by the Playhouse in the Park. The play will be presented on April 18 at 7:30 pm with tickets selling for $15 per person.
Economic Development Department’s Tammy Riddle informed all present about Thinkronize Inc. The company is currently located in Triangle Park. Joe Vallo, Chief Operating Officer was in the audience. Thinkronize provides digital delivery of kindergarten through twelfth grade education with help of highly effective technologies that bring education via the Internet to every child. They are recognized as one of the fastest growing companies in the state. They have been in Sharonville for about eight years. Because of their expansive growth as a company, they have to relocate. Sharonville was very glad to have the company stay within the City. Council passed the ordinance to enter into an agreement with the company to relocate and establish new highly skilled technical jobs with in Sharonville.
Will Greiner was proud to announce that there is a video being made regarding the Convention Center’s expansion. They contacted 50 organizations/people about being in the video and all 50 wanted to be a part of it. He did not necessarily want all 50 to be in the video but was amazed that he had such positive feedback. The video will be shown at a Northern Cincinnati Convention and Visitors Bureau meeting.
Council provided a positive voice vote to allow to apply for funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act before adjourning.