VILLAGE OF NORTH BEND

21 TAYLOR AVENUE, NORTH BEND, OHIO 45052

August 28, 2023



Meeting was called to order at 6:00 P.M. by Mayor Sammons.



Members Present:

Mayor: Mr. Sammons

Law Director: Mr. Sollmann

Fiscal Officer: Ms. Fryman

Councilpersons: Mr. Moorman, Mr. Deters, Mr. Bonner,

Mrs. Romweber, Mrs. Bolser, Mr. Weadick, (by phone)

MAYOR’S OPENING STATEMENT

Mayor Sammons stated Alta Fiber is installing Fiber Optics in the Aston Oaks subdivision. Sigma Technology is their contractor. The Hamilton County Auditor sent out reappraisal of properties for North Bend. Mayor Sammons asked Bev Bolser to contact Hamilton County regarding an update on the Derbyshire subdivision on St. Annes.

MINUTES

Joe Bonner moved that the July 31, 2023 minutes be accepted. Bill Deters seconded the motion. Motion carried 100%.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Marta stated that Resolution 2023-13 Accepting the Amounts and Rates as Determined by the Budget Commission & Authorizing the Necessary Tax Levies and Certifying them to the County Auditor will be tabled until our September council meeting. She has not yet received approval from the Budget Commission.

The Treasurer’s Report is available at the Village office.

PAY THE BILLS

Fran Romweber made a motion to pay the bills. Bill Deters seconded the motion. Motion carried 100%.

MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR’S REPORT

Nate stated that grass cutting, weed eating and watering flowers has continued through August. Maintenance staff pressure washed the wall on Shady Lane in preparation for painting. They also painted street lines. Nate prepared buildings for the fire department inspection next month. Nate mentioned he’d like to switch to LED bulbs on all Christmas décor. The total cost would be approximately $1,250 ($14.00 for 24 LED bulbs) or we could change half of the bulbs this year and the remaining next year. Dave Moorman made a motion to replace half of our décor this year for a cost of $650. The motion passed unanimously.

Minutes, August 28, 2023


MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR’S REPORT, Continued

Mayor Sammons talked about the street cleaning costs and how this came about recently. In the past, Rick Schultz, our previous Maintenance Supervisor, had the street cleaning completed once or twice yearly and a few times did it himself. Mayor Sammons asked Nate to get quotes on purchasing street cleaning equipment and the cost was extremely high. Mayor Sammons stated this started with the Beautification Committee wanting to keep North Bend beautiful. Dave Moorman and Bev Bolser feels this type of expense should be brought to council for approval as well as any service agreements. Mayor Sammons apologized for not being transparent and in the future will bring these expenses to council for approval. He stated that because of the curbing along US 50 and the streets of the Village proper, dirt, dust and debris accumulate more abundantly.

DEPUTY CLERK’S REPORT

Marilyn stated FES checked and retagged all fire extinguishers for North Bend on August 18th. Miami Township will complete their inspection on September 15th. I submitted Hamilton County’s mini-grant application on August 21st; our project is eligible for the full application due September 8th. Unique Security replaced our main battery for our security system and replaced the sensor on the council hall entry door. Our We Thrive meeting is September 8th at 9:30am. Ms. Hollis Bass, We Thrive, called and asked for pictures and a few comments on our new pickleball and basketball court. She’s writing an article on our updated Presidential Community Park. I’ve attached the announcement of North Bend’s Active Military/Veteran Recognition Program. Tickler File- Resolution on One-Year Moratorium on Medical/Recreational Marijuana.

POLICE REPORT

Sgt. Carney reported there were 40 calls for service for the month of July. There were two criminal reports and no auto accidents. Two cases were assigned to detectives for investigation. There were 23 non-billable calls for service. Sgt. Carney also spoke with neighbors of 29 Ridge regarding the dog located there. He has answered their questions.

GUESTS

No Report.

FIRE REPORT

Noone from Miami Township attended the meeting. Bill Deters reported there was one fire run and 13 EMS details for the month of July.

THREE RIVERS SCHOOL

Superintendent Ault stated enrollment at Three Rivers School is stable (decreased a little). Their staff is currently being trained for safety; particularly as to how to use a defibrillator and where on the school premises are they located. Dr. Ault then introduced Mr. Aaron Marshall, Three Rivers School new Director of Human Resources. He taught for eight years, was principal of Wyoming School and COO of LaSalle High School.

COMMITTEES:

Finance - Mr. Moorman

Dave talked about PEP Cyber Security Recommendations. Dave shared the PEP Security Awareness Training material with attendees. Dave handed out training material on North Bend’s new Password Policy and Acceptable Use Policy. After a discussion, Dave made a motion to add this training material to our Employee Handbook. Bill Deters seconded the motion. Motion carried 100%. Mayor Sammons will reply to the PEP request for written response to their recommendations.



Minutes, August 28, 2023



Finance – Mr. Moorman, Continued

Dave also mentioned that Rumpke and Best Way will be provided the Waste & Recycling "Request for Bid" in early September for submission by October 20th and council will choose one before the end of 2023.

Light, Water and Sewer - Mrs. Romweber

No Report.

Maintenance - Mr. Bonner

No Report.

Police & Fire – Mr. Deters

No Report.

Mayor Sammons stated he will not respond to Mr. Chuck Birkholtz’ request as to negotiations with Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department. We are paying what we collect through levies.

Planning & Zoning - Mrs. Bolser

Bev will schedule the next Model Zoning Code meeting with Hamilton County.

Law & Ordinance - Mr. Weadick

Mark stated the issues at 29 Ridge have been discussed. The abandoned vehicle will be removed within one week. The issue at 20 Taylor is being resolved.

Beautification – Mrs. Romweber

Fran stated that Skip Holmes, resident of North Bend, is leading the Advisory Committee for the Riverfront Park project. There will be an Open House on Monday, September 25th from 5:00pm – 6:00pm for residents to see detailed plans of the project.

COUNCIL’S OLD BUSINESS

There was a discussion of the Aston Oaks sign. Mayor Sammons explained how the sign came about. When North Bend began the Beautification Committee, we wanted a continuity of the colors for North Bend and the consensus was gold and black colors. The Aston Oaks Property Owners Association - AOPOA and Golf Course split the cost of the sign equally. Today, AOPOA and Drew Macke of the Aston Oaks Golf Course has agreed to install and maintain the sign. We have a Permissive Use Agreement available; North Bend would remain in control of the sign.

Dave Moorman stated in the past, we forced businesses to remove signs and the size of this sign is a clear violation of our zoning code. In addition, Council should not be in the position of favoring the sign of one business over another. We have specific zoning codes about this.

Joe Bonner stated we asked Java Jackets to remove their temporary signs. How can we do this for one company and no other companies? Scott Sollmann stated this Aston Oaks sign is a directional and informational sign, it does not fall under the same restrictions as other signage. This is a qualified exemption.

Mayor Sammons stated we gave the AOPOA and the Macke’s our word that this sign would be installed; and now we have permission from the landowner. Our word should mean something to the business owners of our community.



Minutes, August 28, 2023


COUNCIL’S OLD BUSINESS, Continued

Fran Romweber stated she would like to see the sign installed. She stated the golf course, restaurant and event center bring many visitors to our area and make it advantageous to live here. For safety, people that don’t live in this area need direction coming up Shady Lane. Fran asked, what’s wrong with having a directional sign that advises you in advance as to where this community is located. We are doing this as a courtesy and having continuity in our signage at the same time.

Dave Moorman made a motion to deny signing the Permissive Use Agreement and installing the sign. Bev Bolser seconded the motion. Based on Councilperson Romweber’s position on the sign, Dave rescinded his motion and asked Fran to make her motion.

Fran made a motion in favor of the Aston Oaks Golf Course installing and maintaining the sign. There was no second motion in favor. Mayor Sammons stated he will have Nate destroy the sign.

Mark Weadick, participating by phone and unable to vote, stated he was in favor of installing the directional sign and stated we should give the sign to the Golf Course and/or AOPOA and they can follow the variance guidelines. Dave Moorman said they would be required to go through the zoning process.

LAW DIRECTOR’S OLD BUSINESS

Scott Sollmann reached out to Capital Electric regarding the accident on US 50 and Shady Lane and their $12,000 cost to repair the traffic light. If Scott doesn’t hear back from the insurance company of the responsible party, he will prepare a legal strategy moving forward.

MAYOR’S OLD BUSINESS

No Report.

COUNCIL’S NEW BUSINESS

No Report.

LAW DIRECTOR’S NEW BUSINESS

Fran Romweber made a motion to declare Resolution 2023-14 an emergency and to dispense with the requirement that this resolution be read on three separate days and be adopted upon its first reading. Bill Deters seconded the motion. Motion carried 100%.

Joe Bonner made a motion to adopt Resolution 2023-14 Imposing a Sixth Extension of an Additional One-Year Moratorium on the Issuance and Processing of any Permits Allowing Retail Dispensaries, Cultivators, or Processors of Medical or Recreational Marijuana within the Village of North Bend. Bill Deters seconded the motion. Motion carried 100%.

Scott asked Marilyn to place this topic in the Tickler File as Ohio Issue 2 – Recreational Marijuana is on the ballot and we may want to discuss this becoming a permanent resolution after the November election.

MAYOR’S NEW BUSINESS/ REPORT

Mayor Sammons talked about Hamilton County’s Reappraisal Process of Property.



Minutes, August 28, 2023


OPEN TO THE FLOOR

No Report.

MAYOR AND COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS, COMMENTS

Our next council meeting is Monday, September 25, 2023 at 6:00pm.

Riverfront Park Open House is Monday, September 25, 2023 between 5:00pm – 6:00pm.

MAYOR’S FINAL COMMENTS

Mayor Sammons stated how disappointed he is with council’s decision to not allow the Aston Oaks sign to be installed by the Aston Oaks Golf Course. He will advise council within two weeks if he decides to resign as mayor.


ADJOURNMENT:

Fran Romweber made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Bill Deters seconded the motion. Motion carried 100%. Meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m.



Respectfully Submitted,



_____________________________ _______________________________

Fiscal Officer Mayor



Minutes, August 28, 2023



TREASURER’S REPORT

August 28, 2023



To Council Members for Your Information and Review



Our 2021-2022 state audit continues.



We received our 2024 estimated tax revenue derived from the submitted tax budget. I request Council approve Resolution 2023-13, Accepting the Amounts and Rates as Determined by the Budget Commission & Authorizing the Necessary Tax Levies and Certifying them to the County Auditor.



We issued seven purchase order this month - #22-2023, G.J. Berding Surveying Inc., Surveying for Riverfront project, $6,500.00; #23-2023, KZF Design Inc, Riverfront park project, $47,750.00; #24-2023, Mayors Assn of Ohio, 2023-24 dues, $50.00; #25-2023, Capital Electric Line Builders, US50 and Shady Lane accident, $2,747.25; BC #19-2023, Operating Supplies and Materials, $4,600.00; BC #20-2023, Maintenance Operating Supplies and Materials, $12,000.00; BC #21-2023, Streets, highways, curbs and sidewalks, $3,300.00.



Distributed to council members this month are the following reports:

Monthly Cash Flow Analysis:
Showing money in/money out and the check book balance

Payment and charge Register Report:
Includes all checks & automatic payments taken directly from our checkbook since last Council Meeting

Receipts Register Report:
Includes all sources of revenue taken in by the Village since last Council Meeting

Revenue Status Report:
Shows the year-to-date status of each revenue account as of date of this Council Meeting

Fund Status Report: Shows amount left in each fund as of date of this Council
Meeting and the current checking account balance

Year to Date Beautification Accounting Report – no report
Mayor’s Discretionary Fund Report – no report
Credit Card Usage Report


Copies of all the above reports are available for public viewing at the Village Office.



Respectfully submitted,



Marta Fryman, Fiscal Officer



MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR’S REPORT August 28, 2023

Nate stated that grass cutting, weed eating and watering flowers has continued through August. Maintenance staff pressure washed the wall on Shady Lane in preparation for painting. They also painted street lines. Nate prepared buildings for the fire department inspection next month. Nate mentioned he’d like to switch to LED bulbs on all Christmas décor. The total cost would be approximately $1,250 ($14.00 for 24 LED bulbs) or we could change half of the bulbs this year and the remaining next year. Dave Moorman made a motion to replace half of our décor this year for a cost of $650. The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Sammons talked about the street cleaning costs and how this came about recently. In the past, Rick Schultz, our previous Maintenance Supervisor, had the street cleaning completed once or twice yearly and a few times did it himself. Mayor Sammons asked Nate to get quotes on purchasing street cleaning equipment and the cost was extremely high. Mayor Sammons stated this started with the Beautification Committee wanting to keep North Bend beautiful. Dave Moorman and Bev Bolser feels this type of expense should be brought to council for approval as well as any service agreements. Mayor Sammons apologized for not being transparent and in the future will bring these expenses to council for approval. He stated that because of the curbing along US 50 and the streets of the Village proper, dirt, dust and debris accumulate more abundantly.



DEPUTY CLERK’S REPORT August 28, 2023 Marilyn Kramer





FES checked and retagged all fire extinguishers for North Bend on August 18th.


Miami Township Fire Department will complete their inspection of our buildings on September 15th. Nate has already prepared the buildings.


I submitted Hamilton County’s mini-planning grant application for updated plans of the Riverfront Park on Monday, August 21st. We have been notified our project is eligible and the full application is due September 8th. We will host a Riverfront Park Open House on September 25, between 5:00pm – 6:00pm.


Unique Security replaced our main battery for our security system and replaced the sensor on the council hall entry door, which was destroyed by water.


Our We Thrive Wellness committee meeting is Friday, September 8th at 9:30am.




Ms. Hollis Bass, Hamilton County We Thrive, called and asked for pictures and comments regarding our new pickleball and basketball court. She will send us the article when completed.


I’ve attached the two-page announcement of North Bend’s Active Military/Veteran Recognition Program. I’ll post this announcement this week.



Tickler File

One-Year Moratorium on Medical/Recreational Marijuana