October 19 Meeting Minutes
President Michael Wigle opened the meeting at 7:33 pm at the Elberon United Methodist Church with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by roll call:
√President: Michael Wigle; √Vice President: Patti Hogan; √Rec Secy: Tom Croft; √Corr. Secy.: Tom Gamel; √Treasurer: John Ridder; √Membership Officer: Ginger Boller; √Director: Frank Hollister; √Director: Steve Klatte; √Director: John Lauck; √Director: John Schlagetter; √Director: Jim Turner; √Director: John Wall; √Trustee: Ted Bird, Jr.; √Trustee: Ken Rothman; √Trustee: Blanche Underwood
A quorum was established.
Minutes - Minutes of the June 15, 2009 meeting were approved on a motion by D. Busch/T. Gamel.
John Ridder submitted the report as of September 21, 2009:
Beginning Balance: $11,280.71
Memberships: $15.00
Interest income: $156.05
Other Income $3,039.77
Subtotal $14,491.53
Less Expenses $ 2,848.46
Ending balance $11,643.07
Reports were submitted by the following committees:
Membership Report: Ginger Boller reported two new members and seven renewals for September. Michael Wigle reminded new members that their $5 annual dues must be paid by the end of this evenings meeting in order to vote in EPHlA's November elections.
Correspondence - Tom Gamel reviewed the most significant items on the correspondence log:
- City Community Development letter on results of public hearing on demolition of 1219 Purcell.
- Notice from City Planning about 11/4 Zoning Hearing for addition ofa dwelling unit to a nonconforming 10-unit building in RMX district at 1026 Rapid Ave.
- Keep Cincinnati Beautiful "Just Deserts" award ceremony at 6:00 pm 11/12. RSVP by 11/2.
- Notice postmarked 10/15 from Clerk of City Council of 11/9 public hearing by
Other Reports
- Fire Dept. - Lt. Herth of Ladder Company # 17 reported on fire, non-fire and EMS runs, and inspections by his unit and Engine Company #17.
- Police Dept. - PO Jennifer Dawson of the Dist. 3 Neighborhood Unit said no crime stats available due to a system glitch. Curfew sweeps and auto thefts have been focus, "lock it or lose it". Capt. Frye emphasized the need to "harden targets", and discussed special paint to discourage copper thefts. She said she would look into false alarm fees charged to Elberon UMC.
- Citizens on Patrol- Ken Rothman asked anyone interested to see him after the meeting.
- Price Hill Will Safety CAT - Tom Croft noted the award received by EPHlA at the Community Problem Oriented Policing (CPOP) Awards Banquet on 10/17 for its participation in PHW Safety CAT projects including safety walks, block clubs, street parties, "good guy loitering", and adopt-a-class. Patti Hogan's leadership as chair of the Safety CAT, and total involvement in all of these activities has been the key to this success.
- Problem Properties - Dan Boller reported that demolition permits have been issued for 1009 Underwood, 934 Grand and 619 Hawthorne. 1036 Purcell has been declared a public nuisance. 951 Woodlawn's public nuisance hearing is scheduled for 10/30; anyone familiar may send a letter, or Dan will research. VBML fee waiver hearing for 801 Considine will be 11/4, which he would oppose on principle. Dan thanked H.A. Musser of Santa Maria and Bill Burwinkel for vacant lot vegetation and litter cleanups in the 3000 block of Price.
- Neighborhood Support Program - Steve Klatte said EPHlA has just received over $3,000 reimbursement for NSP spending. budget proposal for 2010 is:
Beautification/Improvements $3,000
Membership/Communications 700
Thanksgiving Day Parade 1,250
Mt. Echo Concerts 550
Newsletter 750
Insurance 500
Total $6,750
Steve moved for approval and Tom Gamel seconded. The proposal was opened for discussion. Voting open to all EPH residents was announced; results were 48 yeas, unanimous. - Neighborhood Business District Support Program - Tom Croft said remaining watering budget would be applied to bulb plantings and other gateway planting improvements.
- Nominating Committee - Michael Wigle reported nominations as follow:
President John Schlagetter
Vice President Tom Gamel and Don Busche
Recording Secretary Tom Croft
Corresponding Secretary Melissa Wegman
Treasurer John Ridder
Membership Officer Ginger Boller
Michael asked for nominations from the floor for each position; none were made. He said elections would be at the next meeting 11/16, polls open 6:30-8:00 pm. Board will meet at 6:00.
Old Business
Queensgate Barge Terminal- Tom Croft said the proposed settlement reported in the 10/15 Enquirer appears to be positive based on conversations with Roxanne Qualls and Greg Harris. The terminal location would be upriver, toward center City, on the Cincinnati Bulk Terminals site along Mehring Way between the Southern Bridge and Duke Power. There are some details not yet clear that could affect the outcome, but those in the community who have been closest to the issue are all enthusiastic. Additional information should come out in the next week or two.
Incline Square - Don Busch asked about the development's prospects considering legal difficulties some City Lights principals are having with a Kentucky project. Tom Gamel said he will be meeting with them soon. Tom Croft said there is no apparent financial relationship between the two projects.
New Business
Davenport & Zech Improvement - George Meinhardt described the petition to the City by 23 owners on Davenport, which asks City assumption of responsibility for the portion of Davenport not currently City-maintained and Zech. Estimated $48,000 improvement cost would be paid over 10 years by assessment of the petitioners. They are seeking the support of EPHIA. Bebe Wilker made the motion, which was seconded. In discussion, Mt. Hope residents whose properties abut the streets raised concerns about permanent easements for their garages, parking pads and retaining walls. Ken Rothman moved to table the matter until better assurances, which was seconded. Motion failed with 10 ayes, 23 nays and one abstain. Bebe Wilker made the following motion seconded by Bob Pessler: East Price Hill Improvement Association supports the recommendation of Cincinnati City Manager Milton Dohoney, Jr. to approve the Special Assessment ofZech Place and Davenport Avenue as requested by 23 of the residents of Davenport Avenue who will pay for the assessment, and a letter be sent to Mr. Dohoney by October 23, 2009 stating such support contingent upon easements being made permanent. After discussion, Frank Hollister called the question, which was seconded by Bob Pessler, which carried by voice vote. The motion then carried on a voice vote.
Announcements
- Price Hill Will- Ken Smith noted progress in the Neighborhood Stabilization Program property acquisitions, and Make a Difference Day Saturday 10/24,9:00-1:00, starting at the old Skyline lot on Glenway. PHW newsletters with more details were available on the sign-in table.
- 2nd Annual Celebration of Price Hill Dinner - Patti Hogan said that this potluck community dinner will be held on Wednesday 10/28 at 7:00 in the Elder HS cafeteria. This event celebrates the many good things happening in Price Hill. Bring a side dish.
A motion to adjourn by F. Hollister/R. Pessler was approved at 9:15 pm.
Tom Croft, Secretary