April 21 Meeting Minutes
The meeting was called to order by President Michael Wigle at 7:45 p.m. at the Elberon United Methodist Church. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll Call follows:
√President: Michael Wigle; √Vice President: Patti Hogan; exc Trustee: Ted Bird, Jr.; √Trustee: Blanche Underwood; √Treasurer: John Ridder; √Trustee: Ken Rothman; √Corr. Secy.: Tom Gamel; √Director: Louise Anderson; √Director: John Wall; √Director: Steve Klatte; √Director: Pete Ridder; √Rec Secy: Barbara Niehoff; √Director: Mary Croft;Niehoff; √Director: Dan Boller; √Membership Officer: Ginger Boller
A quorum was established.
Minutes of the March 17, 2008 meeting were read, amended to change name of Marilyn Critcher to Marilyn Kircher and insert until next general meeting regarding the City Lights proposal. Both amendments are under Unfinished Business. Approved as amended by Bob Pessler/Frank Hollister. Motion carried
Receipt of bills None.
Treasurer's Report presented by John Ridder:
Beginning Balance: $10,549.03
Memberships: $35.00
Interest income: $200.04
Other Income $ 6,946.54
Subtotal $17,730.61
Less Expenses $ 616.23
Ending balance $17,114.38
The report will be filed for audit.
Membership Report: Ginger Boller
Two renewals and two new members.
Communications: Tom Gamel
Several communications in back of the room for perusal.
District 3 Resource meeting scheduled for 4/23.at the annex on Warsaw.
MSD having a birthday picnic on May 1.
City Planning Commission on 4/23 at 1:00 at Centennial 2, second floor regarding zoning change for City Lights.
CMHA creating a Good Ambassador Program. They will be at the next general meeting.
Police Department Off. S. Glueck
Reported that compared to last year at this time, burglaries are down by 55%; petty thefts are down by 43%. Vehicle thefts are up from 4 in March 2007 to 9 in March 2008. Part of this is because people left their engines running with the keys in the cars. The officer also reported the arrest of four juveniles who robbed someone in front of the Covedale Theater. She also reported that the investigation into the Grand Nursing Home is ongoing.
Capt. Frey reported that the home is still open and CPD is working with other agencies to get the situation resolved and is being monitored daily. The captain also reported that more walking patrols all over the district as well as more on Segways and bikes.
John Schwind, Probation Officer, introduced himself and stated his only area is Price Hill. He further stated that two of the 12 employees from the local substation, Joe Elfers, received Hero of the year award; and Bryan Urban, received Employee of the Year award from the county.
Citizens on Patrol Bill Bailey
He advised that those people who have car remotes keep them on their persons and in the event they have an emergency situation and cannot get to the phone, to activate their panic buttons to alert the need for help.
Fire Department
February report included that the truck had a total of 101 runs; the engine had 165 responses total. In March the truck responded to 87 total runs and the engine had a total of 154 runs. This includes both fire and EMS runs. Smoke alarms are still available at local firehouses.
Neighborhood Busines District (NBD) Tom Croft
Has had to adjust the budget from $10,000 to $9,000 as follows: Beautification from $8150 to $7900; Holiday on the Hill from $1250 to $1000; Gateway from $500 to $400 and dues of $100 would remain the same.
Ken Rothman/Jean Hollister moved to support John Wall's variance for his new three-car garage at 545 Purcell Ave.. Motion carried. EPHIA will write a letter to support the variance request.
City Lights John Cranley, John McLinden, Don Johnson, Dr. Mark Rudemiller. Made a presentation regarding the Incline Square project and asked for support tonight. They also gave their commitment to keep EPHIA fully informed of the progress.
Unfinished Business
Frank Hollister/Marilyn Critcher moved to give unanimous approval to City Lights on the proposed zoning changes. Discussion followed. Pete Ridder/Ann Patty moved to table the motion. Mr. Hollister withdrew the original motion. Hollister/Pessler then moved to give the Housing & Development committee and the EPHIA Board the authority to speak on behalf of the general assembly to the City Lights proposal as necessary. A residents only vote provided the following results: Aye 26; Nay 0; Abstentions 0. Motion carried
Housing and Development Mary Croft
Presented the committee report and stated that the committee gave its unanimous support for the following:
Write a letter to Steve Briggs requesting that he expedite the time line for any and all hearings necessary for the Incline Square project.
Recommend to the EPHIA Board and general membership the approval of the
Conceptual Plan for said project.
Recommend to the EPHIA Board and general membership the approval to the usage of $12 million of TIF funding for the approved Conceptual Plan to be used for the infrastructure of the Incline Square Project and that the project designate at least $500,000 for Parks/Streetscape and water retention.
She further stated that the Executive Board had tabled recommendation #2.
Executive Board:
The Board recommended:
Approval of the $12 million of TIF funding for the conceptual plan to be used for the infrastructure of the Incline Square Project and designate at least $1 million to enhance and maintain Olden View Park with an agreement to construct a sidewalk on lower Mt. Hope Ave. from Elberon Ave. to the entry of Kula Viken.
Eileen Schenk/Bob Pessler moved to approve the conceptual plan (#2) for the City Lights project in Incline Square. Discussion followed. A residents-only hand count resulted in 33 ayes; 3 nays; 2 abstentions. Motion carried.
Motion Frank Hollister/Bob Pessler: Approval to the usage of $12 million of TIF funding for the conceptual Plan to be used for the Infrastructure of the Incline Square Project and designate at least $500,000 for the park, streetscape and water retention. Discussion followed.
Amendment - Patti Hogan/P. Ridder: To change $500,000 to $1 million. Discussion followed.
Ridder/Pessler called for the Previous Question on the amendment Motion carried.
Residents-only hand count: 14 ayes; 21 nays Amendment failed.
Additional discussion followed on the main motion.
K. Rothman/Bob Dodds moved the previous question. Motion carried.
Main Motion vote residents-only, hand count vote: 27 ayes; 5 nays; 4 abstentions. Motion carried.
Problem Properties Dan Boller
The following have been demolished: 416 Crestline; 1027 Sturm; Whittier School.
Still working on getting 908/910 Grand demolished and attempting to get the vacant lot at 929 into the ownership of the adjacent owner occupant.
Success in reaching an agreement with owners of Complete Auto Care and All American Towing. The zoning Board of Appeals will rectify the situation once the Director of Building and Inspections pens a new not-substantial change order which includes all of the language in agreement.
New Business
Patti Hogan announced that the Great American Cleanup is April 26 and everyone's help is needed. She also announced that Good Guy Loitering will commence on Friday, April 25. Everyone welcome.
Jim Turner announced that Greenup Day is Saturday April 26 and Everybody's Backyard Picnic is June 12. Everyone welcome
Dan Boller:
Stated that the liquor license for Price Hill Marathon is due on May 5. He advised that they are working with D-3 Police to maintain their property.
Residents in 800 block of Woodlawn should anticipate some sewer improvements to begin soon.
Would like to hire Holthaus Signs for flagpole installations at the gateways. Bid for the work is $1682 with approximately $200 of the cost be removed due to John Schlageter who drew up the professional drawings. The 25-foot poles will be purchased from National Flag Co. for $995 each. Total cost should not exceed $3672. A $3500 donation has been received, with any excess monies needed coming from NBD or NSP funds. Hopes to have flags and poles installed prior to Memorial Day weekend.
D Boller/Pessler moved to send a letter of appreciation to the Cincinnati Parks Dept for the ongoing improvement to both Mt. Echo and Wilson Commons Parks. Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 10:22 p.m.
Barbara Niehoff, Secretary