Serving These Communities
Covering the Valley Since 1982
The City of St. Bernard Council meeting on Thursday, March 19 began with a report of Mayor Bill Burkhardt provided by Service Director Phil Stegman. He noted that the Mayor’s Monthly Court total to the City was $4,708. Mayor Burkhardt also thanked everyone who assisted with the donation of items that were sent to troops in Iraq on behalf of the St. Bernard’s Women’s Club. A special thanks was sent from Major Christopher Niesen who really enjoyed getting packages from home.
Walter St. Clair handed out reports to Council and the Treasurer. He explained the resolution to pay purchase orders left from last year and one purchase order that is over $3,000 that requires a resolution. Mr. St. Clair also explained the ordinance to have him provide additional appropriations.
Rodney Chatman informed everyone about the City’s gunlock program. If a resident needs a gun lock for a handgun, you can come to the Police Department, pretty much no questions asked, and receive one. The next Block Watch meeting will be on Wednesday, April 22 at 7:00 pm. Mr. Chatman is still encouraged by the calls he gets about the program.
Mr. Chatman spoke to Council about the eligibility list for the Firefighters. He contacted the Law Director (Kate Bedinghaus) for guidance and asked to have the updating of the list withdrawn until he gets information from the Law Director.
Phil Stegman offered his report. The work on the roof on the Municipal Building began on Monday and should take about three weeks depending upon the weather. Mr. Stegman wants people to read the signs and take the detour around the building while the roof work is being done. The Service Department is working hard on the parks, street repairs, tree removal, mulching, clean up and sprucing up around City Hall and the City Monument.
Mr. Stegman has called the residents who signed up for the tree program to see who
needs trees cut down, trimmed back or dead branches removed. He will have two contractors
in town on March 28 and April 4 to give quotes. If some resident would like to get
a quote, call Mr. Stegman at 242-
Don Tobergte gave a report for the Service Committee. He reminded residents that yard waste pickup is on the first scheduled garbage day of the week. Please put the yard waste in an open container, do not use plastic bags or pile the debris into the gutter. Tree limbs must not be longer than three feet.
Kevin Meier updated everyone in his Public Improvements Committee report. He noted that there was a CIC meeting the previous night. He remarked that the canal bed is being looked at again for a site for homes. Once Mr. Kanters has the plans, he will bring them to Council. The old Kentucky Fried Chicken place is opening soon as a Fish place.
The City was not selected as one of the projects for Heritage Ohio Main Street program. They want to focus on protecting and preserving old buildings. There has been talk about using $1000 for an associate membership in the program. They want to take a look at what programs the organization has had in the past and what they will offer in the future before deciding to join.
Mr. Meier informed everyone of the St. Bernard Home Expo on Sunday, May 3 from noon until 4:00 pm. Realtors with a listing in St. Bernard are welcome to participate in the Citywide Open House. Local Banks will be invited to have mortgage lenders to assist buyers with mortgage information. There will be a representative from the Home Ownership Center to take registrations for a St. Bernard Home Buyer Training Class and a representative from Housing Opportunities Made Equal to provide foreclosure prevention counseling. Mr. Meier provided information about upcoming events in the City this summer. (It was also provided by Ms. Brickweg in her report). Sara Wilson who has worked hard with Al Kanters is leaving her position, a replacement is being sought.
Mike Peck updated everyone about the Laws and Contracts Committee meeting held last week prior to the COW meeting. They discussed ordinances regarding live entertainment and satellite dishes. The meeting discussed other possible ordinances. There will be another committee meeting on March 26 at 7:00 pm prior to the COW meeting.
Peggy Brickweg spoke about the Main Street Steering Committee which was changed to
the Vine Street Improvement Committee. It was changed when St. Bernard was not chosen
to be a member of the Heritage Ohio Main Street program. She also spoke about the
Classic Car and Motorcycle Show on Saturday, June 27. It will be held inside the
St. Bernard Square parking lot. Anyone interested in displaying their car or motorcycle
needs to contact a CIC member. Another project discussed was the St. Bernard Dog
Days of Summer Festival to be held on Saturday, August 15 at the Pavilion. It will
feature a dog walk/run, various exhibits, vendors and demonstrations all geared around
dogs. They will even hold a dog contest. The CIC is seeking sponsors who would love
to have their logo printed on T-
Under Old Business, Ms. Brickweg spoke about the Audit report and it is on the agenda for the next COW meeting. She would like to see a CPA or tax professional from outside the City run the program.
Mr. Tobergte asked about the eligibility list for the Firefighters. He was told by a Civil Service member that the City had 90 days once the list expires to get a new one. Mr. Chatman said that was not what was explained by the Law Director.
Mr. Tobergte said he was looking at the City’s liability regarding the lump sum payouts when an employee retires. The liability for sick leave alone could be over $2 million. He would like to discuss starting a fund that would be for this type of pay out. He has contacted the state auditor’s office and is awaiting a call back. Mr. Tobergte also had the item placed on the next COW agenda.