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The City of Reading Council meeting on Tuesday, March 17 began with the moment of silence for Mary Gertz Moran and her family.

The room was excited for the promotion of Officer Bryan Edens to Lieutenant. Before coming to Reading, which he has served for nine years, he was with the Mt. Healthy and Elmwood Place Police Departments. Police Chief Scott Snow spoke about the honor it was to be a part of the promotion as he worked with Lt. Edens at the Elmwood Place Police Department before they both came to Reading.

Dennis Albrinck read the communications to everyone. The first was the Mayor’s Court totals for February, $24,870. Another letter was from the Ohio Department of Liquor Control which noted that all liquor permits will expire in June and if the City wants to object to any renewal they can go through a process set by the state.

Mr. Albrinck read a letter from Anthony J. Gertz that tendered his resignation as Councilman of the Second Ward effective March 31. He qualifies for retirement benefits from serving approximately 33 years in government. The benefits would include coverage for health care as well as a monthly retirement check. Mr. Gertz also writes that the vacancy will require action by the Reading Republican Executive Committee which will appoint his successor and adds that it is his (Gertz) intention to seek appointment by the same committee as replacement for the un-expired term through 2009 as the Second Ward Councilman. He assured the citizens of the Second Ward that he wants to maintain his commitment to them to serve them during the term to which he was elected.

Mayor Bemmes noted his sympathy for the family of Tom Martin. He worked hard for the VYO (Valley Youth Organization) and the Sts. Peter and Paul Parish. He was one of those who helped save the Sts. Peter and Paul Academy. He will be missed.

He thanked Joyce Hoerst who has worked as Secretary for the Civil Service Commission. She is retiring at the end of the month.

Mayor Bemmes remarked that the Police Department has received a “JAG recovery grant” for $23,531. It is part of the “stimulus” package to upgrade the lethal and non-lethal weapons. They will now be able to issue a taser to all officers, purchase new firearms and holsters and upgrade their rifles. Thefts from vehicles has begun to rise with the warmer weather. The Police Department is making extra patrols in school areas. The department also arranged for all Public Works employees to have photo identification so they can be identified as City employees for the residents. If not sure of anyone who says they are an employee, please call the Police Department and they will check it out.

In the Fire Department report, Mayor Bemmes stated that there will be a test administered by the Civil Service Commission on March 21 to establish an eligibility list for part-time Firefighter/EMT. Lt. Tom Grau and Lt. Todd Owens were given a letter of appreciation from the Village of Golf Manor. They assisted the Golf Manor Fire Department with training in Firefighter Safety and Survival.

Members of the Fire Department attended the Eagles Ladies Auxiliary’s Spring Fling Benefit Dance. Proceeds benefit the Police and Fire Departments.

Public Works crews have been busy with potholes. Call City Hall if you see any potholes so they can be repaired. Litter Clean Up Day is April 25, meet at Koenig Park at 10:00 am. Public Works will hold a Trash Bash that same day at the City Garage from 8:00 am until 1:00 pm. They will take old items such as old chairs, batteries, etc., but will not take any hazardous materials or paint. You must be a Reading resident and have proof such as an old bill. The police will be on hand to assist.

Mayor Bemmes noted the pool fees. They have Business Memberships, Designated Daycare Provider and Guest Fees, call City Hall to find out more.

This year will be the 100th consecutive Memorial Day Parade. The VYO Festival will run that weekend as well.

Mayor Bemmes congratulated the Mt. Notre Dame High School’s basketball team. They have a good chance of winning another state championship. He also congratulated Reading High School’s wrestling coach, Dick Engel for his induction into the Ohio Wrestling Hall of Fame. Jim Pfennig also noted that the Lockland High School’s boys basketball team deserves recognition.

Bob Boehner met with Mark Fitzgerald and Tim Acri (Project Manager of the Nivision site). He and Mayor Bemmes attended the Reading Bridal District Trustee meeting on March 5. Talk included the Runaway Bride race on May 16. Mr. Boehner met with a representative of Abitibi Recycling about adding one of their dumpsters by the pool area to take newspapers, office paper, catalogs and shredded paper. The hope is to save money by eliminating one of the Rumpke dumpsters.

Dave Stevenson informed everyone that he and Mr. Boehner will meet with representatives of the Village of Lockland regarding the dedication of Cavett Drive. Part of the street  lies in Reading, another portion is in Lockland.

In the Finance Committee report, Tony Gertz said they have received the certificate from Hamilton County to certify that Reading has the money for its appropriations.   

Jim Champlin gave an update on the street projects. The bid openings will be soon for the projects, Mechanic and Market and for North and South Kathwood. There will be correspondence going out to residents soon regarding the gas aggregate program. It will introduce citizens to the City’s program. He noted that there is not a fee for residents to opt out of the program but there is a charge to go back to Duke Energy or another gas program.

Bob Ashbrock noted that there will be a Public Hearing on the Zoning Code Text Amendment changes on April 7. He urged the Zoning, Planning and Environment Committee to meet at 6:30 that night to look at permitted uses of zoning classifications and per Mr. Boehner to look at the definition of garages. Reading’s submitted projects did not qualify for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (stimulus package). Galbraith Road project was approved for Deer Park and Sycamore Township.

Ken Nordin requested citizens to call the police if they see any break-ins at homes or any suspicious behavior. People have been knocking at the front door and if no answer, going in the home by the back door.

Jim Pfennig asked about the area on Columbia Avenue and Reading Road. Is the City going to do anything at this area. Mayor Bemmes noted it is cost prohibitive at this time.  

Lee Roth asked about the Third Street area. He wondered if the project (Nivison) and the Elizabeth Street railroad-crossing project has a timeline made yet. He was told that there is not one yet. Mr. Nordin would like to see a timeline as well. Mr. Roth said he walks the alley near Leonard as it crosses Benson. This alley needs attention, perhaps Mr. Martin will walk the alley with him so he knows what needs addressing.  

Under other matters before Council, Mr. Pfennig expressed his displeasure at the agreement made with Viox over the northern Reading property. He felt that they should be making payments in April on the property since they will beginning work in April. He found out that they would not begin payments until October. Mr. Pfennig was told this was not an unusual arrangement, that incentives are used to get people into property that has sat for awhile.

Mr. Nordin complimented the swim lessons offered by Reading and encouraged swimmers to join the swim team. The pool management is interviewing for a new assistant.

Mr. Gertz provided compliments to Mr. Champlin’s son Jim who has received a law school scholarship to University of Notre Dame. He also attended the National Tea Party in downtown Cincinnati over the weekend. It was not as unruly as the press reported.

 

 

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