VILLAGE OF NORTH BEND
21 TAYLOR AVENUE, NORTH BEND, OHIO 45052
July 31, 2023
Meeting was called to order at 6:00 P.M. by Mayor Sammons.
Members Present:
Mayor: Mr. Sammons, (by phone)
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 talked about the Riverfront Park project and introduced Mr. Clete Benken, KZF Design Company and Mr. Skip Holmes, Riverfront Park Committee member. Mayor Sammons would like to move forward with hiring KZF Design as the State of Ohio Capital Budget application for funding is due in October, 2023. Mr. Clete Benken and Skip Holmes talked about their roles in the project and submitted a Project Organization Structure for consideration. Dave Moorman stated the proposed structure did a good job of identifying roles and duties; the next level of organizational development will require Council to agree on specific responsibilities, levels of authority & decision making.
MINUTES
Fran Romweber moved that the June 26, 2023 minutes be accepted. Bev Bolser seconded the motion. Motion carried 100%, 5-0.
TREASURER’S REPORT
The 2024 Tax Budget has been submitted. The 2021-2022 audit has begun.
The Treasurer’s Report is available at the Village office.
PAY THE BILLS
Fran Romweber made a motion to pay the bills. Bev Bolser seconded the motion. Motion carried 100%, 5-0.
MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR’S REPORT
Nate stated that grass cutting, edging and watering flowers is ongoing. A hanging basket has been stolen and one of our flower boxes has been destroyed by a hit-and-run. Both have been replaced. The maintenance staff has conducted a burn of 11 piles of rubbish at the Riverfront Park property. They painted the sign and posts at Harbor Drive; they built a wall around the sign. Storm Water Sewer training was completed on July 11, 2023 with Hamilton County.
Minutes, July 31, 2023
MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR’S REPORT, Continued
Nate stated they cleaned the wall on St. Annes. Nate received a quote of $3,900 for installing concrete barriers for the landslide area. Joe Bonner said this will help keep water and debris from congregating on US 50.
Nate explained that he would like to install a lean-to cover between our new building and the maintenance building for storage at a material cost of $2,100. The Village Maintenance Dept will construct the lean-to. He received a quote from another company for $5,000. Joe Bonner made a motion to approve the cost of $2,100 for materials to construct a lean-to for our maintenance department. Bill Deters seconded the motion. Motion carried 100%, 5-0.
Nate mentioned that Michael Dirr will be leaving our employ on August 11. He is an engineering student at U.C. and will begin his internship mid-August. He stated what a hard worker and polite, respectful young man he is with his co-workers. Fran Romweber would like to write a letter of recommendation from North Bend for him.
DEPUTY CLERK’S REPORT
Marilyn stated August 8, 2023 is election day. She will meet poll workers to open council hall for voting. There is one issue on the ballot, a Proposed Constitutional Amendment. North Bend’s biennial audit has begun. Marilyn and Marty are supplying documents to the auditor. All fire extinguishers on the premises will be checked in August by FES.
Our next We Thrive Wellness committee meeting is Friday, September 8th at 9:30am. The Veteran Honor project announcement is forthcoming. Marilyn is incorporating Dave’s suggestions to the announcement. Marilyn is obtaining quotes from Frontier Signs in Harrison, Ohio on a new LED sign to replace our bulletin board. The pickleball sign will be installed soon. Dave Moorman suggested the sign state that pickleball hours are M-W-F 9:00am-2:00pm with a one-hour of play duration allowing any players waiting to play in. With this specified time, the net will be up those days and pickleball will be played on a first come, first serve basis. Basketball and other surface games can then be played during the other times. Dave also mentioned as an option, there are portable nets that fit in a carry bag that can be easily set up as our current net takes two people to set up. Portable net cost is $125-$250.00.
POLICE REPORT
Sgt. Carney reported there were 26 calls for service for the month of June, 2023. No cases were assigned to detectives for investigation. There was one criminal report and three auto accidents.
GUESTS
Mr. Clete Benken, KZF Design, stated he was with MKSK in 2016 when North Bend started the Riverfront Park Project. He and his partner, Tim Sharp have worked on SMALE Park, the Banks and the City Park in Covington. He believes we are a great candidate for federal grants tying in with President William Henry Harrison burial site and the future Interpretive Center. KZF would also work with Hamilton County administration and Great Parks, who want to develop a water trail from the east side of town to the west side.
The Riverfront Park Master Plan of 2016 demonstrated the big picture. Now we will get in to fine-tuning the project with a revised plan to help with fund raising. Clete talked about identifying realistic goals. He said we should continue to prepare the property for construction. By 2024, residents could be using the portion of the park above the 25-year flood level. Clete talked about the City of Hamilton and how their corporate citizens helped with a 20% match. However, by working with the governor’s office, ODNR, Great Parks and Steve Johns, Hamilton County Planning, they can identify strategic partners and become co-applicants for potential partners.
Minutes, July 31, 2023
GUESTS, Continued
Dave Moorman talked about the KZF Design’s Task 1 & Task 2 agreement in the amount of $47,500 and the recommended Berding Survey contract for $6,500. The total $54,000 amount is proposed to be funded by American Rescue Plan funds.
Dave believes the Riverfront Park project is an ambitious undertaking for the Village of North Bend. He stated that the Riverfront project has always been envisioned & positioned as being "Fully Funded" by grants and donations. The uncertainty of when funding grants and donations will be available will challenge the project team.
The Village has already been successful in securing $425K in grants funding. If KZF’s Task 1 & Task 2 and the Berding survey are to be ARPA funded, the Village will potentially have to forgo projects those same ARPA dollars could finance. In order to have a compelling story for fund raising and community support, there is urgency to getting those tasks completed. Dave Moorman made a motion to approve the KZF Design, Inc. proposal and the Berding survey quote in the amount of $54,000. Fran Romweber seconded the motion. Motion carried 100%, 5-0.
Roll Call: Dave Moorman-Aye, Bill Deters-Aye, Joe Bonner-Aye, Fran Romweber-Aye, Bev Bolser-Aye, Mark Weadick-Abstain (participating by phone).
Bev Bolser stated she’d like to see the payment terms extended to 30 days after receipt of invoice and clarity of ownership of the documents and information provided by KZF Design. Clete Benken agreed to the 30-day extension of payment terms; he explained the verbiage in the contract regarding ownership of information is for insurance purposes only. North Bend will have access to all documents and information KZF supplies. Scott will get with Clete to adjust the language such that North Bend has the appropriate rights to the deliverables/documents paid for while allowing for KZF to meet their insurance needs.
Mr. John Niehaus, Developer, talked about the clearing of his property for a new development on St. Annes. Originally, this plan was approved for 110 condominiums in 2006. John Niehaus has reduced the plan to 66 units. These landominiums will consist of a ranch unit on each side of a two-story unit. There will be one 4-unit building included. All buildings will have a walk-out style back patio.
After several questions from residents on St. Annes, John Niehaus answered them with the following information. John will be meeting with a geotechnical company this week and six test holes will be drilled in a controlled manner 50’ upwards from the St. Annes curb. Minimal number of trees will be removed from the hillside, preventing any slippage. The HOA will own and be responsible for the hillside. Water will be intercepted going into water quality basins to filter the water. John stated he will keep as much greenspace as possible.
Dave Moorman asked if this development will remain part of the PUD and the Aston Oaks HOA. John Niehaus stated it will. A resident asked if the amount of additional traffic would allow for a traffic signal at US 50 and St. Annes. John stated it would not qualify for a traffic light. John asked North Bend’s approval to speak with our engineer, JMA. Joe Bonner will contact JMA.
Scott Sollmann asked John if this was one parcel of property. John Niehaus stated it was two parcels. One parcel is located in North Bend and one in Miami Township; where the primary bedroom is located determines what jurisdiction presides over that parcel.
John Niehaus stated each landominium will sell for $500,000. Scott Sollmann will explore the possibility of Tax Increment Financing designation for the North Bend parcel.
Minutes, July 31, 2023
FIRE REPORT
Noone from Miami Township Fire Department was present. Bill Deters read their report. There was one fire run and four EMS details for the month of June, 2023. Fran Romweber stated the fire hydrants in Aston Oaks need painting.
THREE RIVERS SCHOOL
Superintendent Ault stated they are in talks with the Hamilton County Public Library to have the new library on their campus. The athletic teams will begin practicing August 1st. Students will report to school on August 16th . Staff report to school for safety training August 11th . Three Rivers School has fifteen new staff members. Students can pick up school supplies, clothing and more at the school on August 10th . There will be a new football game fundraiser with Harrison on August 18th. Scott Sollmann stated he would like to speak with TRS Treasurer regarding TIF. Dr. Ault will send Scott her information.
COMMITTEES:
Finance - Mr. Moorman
Dave presented North Bend’s Natural Gas Aggregation "Blend & Extend" option at our June council meeting. Dave Moorman made a motion to declare Resolution 2023-12 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%, 5-0.
Dave Moorman made a motion to adopt Resolution 2023-12 Authorizing the Mayor to Enter into a Natural Gas Aggregation Agreement with a Natural Gas Supplier as Recommended by Energy Alliances, Inc., Provided that the Accepted Aggregation Rate is Below the Current Contracted Rate at the Time of Execution, for a Period Not to Exceed 36 Months. Bill Deters seconded the motion. Motion carried 100%, 5-0.
Light, Water and Sewer - Mrs. Romweber
No Report.
Maintenance - Mr. Bonner
No Report.
Police & Fire – Mr. Deters
Mr. Deters reported on the July 18, 2023 Sheriff Patrol meeting among representatives from Hamilton County, North Bend, Cleves and Miami Township. Mr. Deters shared the proposed contract rates proposed by Hamilton County Sheriff’s department. This proposal does not meet North Bend’s needs, so no agreement was reached.
Planning & Zoning - Mrs. Bolser
Bev stated North Bend is continuously meeting with Hamilton County Planning regarding a Model Zoning Code. They would like to standardize the zoning code across all jurisdictions.
A la carte items would then be customized for North Bend. We are meeting August 2nd from 5:30pm-7:00pm. Scott stated this change will require an ordinance; Bev stated it may take until the end of the year before all information is submitted.
Bev also stated she and her neighbors have cleared half of the path at Congress Green Cemetery. She included Bev Meyers, president of the Harrison-Symmes Memorial Foundation in the improvement effort.
Minutes, July 31, 2023
Law & Ordinance - Mr. Weadick
No Report
Beautification – Mrs. Romweber
Fran thanked Bev Bolser for her volunteer hours at Congress Green Cemetery helping North Bend remain beautiful.
COUNCIL’S OLD BUSINESS
Dave Moorman confirmed with Marilyn that she is working on the Veteran’s Honor Project.
LAW DIRECTOR’S OLD BUSINESS
Scott stated there has been no response from the party at fault regarding the accident on US 50 that damaged the traffic light. We received over $9,000 in expenses from Capital Electric.
MAYOR’S OLD BUSINESS
No Report.
COUNCIL’S NEW BUSINESS
Dave Moorman stated Jim Holt has been our videographer for 16 years and hasn’t missed one council meeting. This is Jim’s last day with North Bend as he is retiring. Dave took Jim’s picture (with his camera) for our website. After interviewing several candidates, Dave introduced Vernon (Vern) Rebsch as our new videographer.
Dave Moorman noticed that we have "No Parking" signs located on Taylor Avenue and after speaking with Nate Redding, he learned this is for street cleaning at $1,200+ per cleaning, for three cleanings per year. Dave asked when this expense was discussed and approved by council. No council members were aware of the work; further discussion postponed to the August council meeting. Marta stated this item is considered a maintenance expense.
LAW DIRECTOR’S NEW BUSINESS
Scott will reach out to Three Rivers School District regarding TIF, Tax Incentive Financing. Scott discussed the TIF process.
MAYOR’S NEW BUSINESS/ REPORT
No Report.
OPEN TO THE FLOOR
No Report.
MAYOR AND COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS, COMMENTS
Our next council meeting is Monday, August 28, 2023 at 6:00pm.
Dave Moorman stated we have a new company in North Bend on US 50 at Shady Lane. The company is Gerard Heating and Air. Dave visited them and welcomed them to North Bend.
Minutes, July 31, 2023
MAYOR’S FINAL COMMENTS
No Report.
ADJOURNMENT:
Dave Moorman made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Fran Romweber seconded the motion. Motion carried 100%, 5-0. Meeting was adjourned at 8:25p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
_____________________________ _______________________________
Fiscal Officer Mayor
Minutes, July 31, 2023
TREASURER’S REPORT
July 31, 2023
To Council Members for Your Information and Review
The 2024 Tax Budget was submitted to the Hamilton County Auditor on July 14, 2023.
I requested and received our 2nd half real estate property tax advance payment.
Our 2021-2022 state audit has begun. From the surveys completed by Dave Moorman and myself and Mayor Sammons, they are completing an Agreed-Upon Procedures (AUP) audit. This seems to be a less rigorous audit and results in a less expensive audit. They estimate the audit cost is $6,150.00
We issued one purchase order this month - #21-2023, National Pavement Analysis, LLC, $2,750.00, street pavement analysis. This PO replaces #20-2023.
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
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
Nate stated that grass cutting, edging and watering flowers is ongoing. A hanging basket has been stolen and one of our flower boxes has been destroyed by a hit-and-run. Both have been replaced. The maintenance staff has conducted a burn of 11 piles of rubbish at the Riverfront Park property. They painted the sign and posts at Harbor Drive; they built a wall around the sign. Storm Water Sewer training was completed on July 11, 2023 with Hamilton County.
Nate stated they cleaned the wall on St. Annes. Nate received a quote of $3,900 for installing concrete barriers for the landslide area. Joe Bonner said this will help keep water and debris from congregating on US 50.
Nate explained that he would like to install a lean-to cover between our new building and the maintenance building for storage at a material cost of $2,100. The Village Maintenance Dept will construct the lean-to. He received a quote from another company for $5,000. Joe Bonner made a motion to approve the cost of $2,100 for materials to construct a lean-to for our maintenance department. Bill Deters seconded the motion. Motion carried 100%, 5-0.
Nate mentioned that Michael Dirr will be leaving our employ on August 11. He is an engineering student at U.C. and will begin his internship mid-August. He stated what a hard worker and polite, respectful young man he is with his co-workers. Fran Romweber would like to write a letter of recommendation from North Bend for him.
DEPUTY CLERK’S REPORT July 31, 2023 Marilyn Kramer
August 8th, 2023 is election day. I’ll meet poll workers on August 7th in the evening and on August 8th in the morning to open council hall for voting. There is one issue on the ballot, a Proposed Constitutional Amendment.
North Bend’s biennial audit has begun. Marty and I are supplying documents to the auditor as requested.
All fire extinguishers on the premises will be checked in August by FES. Every year the fire department conducts a walk-thru of North Bend buildings for safety.
We have not yet confirmed with Miami Township if North Bend is able to share their Safety Day event with them at their location. (It will be held August 12, 2023). Our We Thrive rep wanted to handle it directly and she has not been able to confirm as of yet.
Dave and I are working on getting bid proposals from Rumpke and Best Way.
Our next We Thrive Wellness Committee meeting is Friday, September 8th at 9:30am.
The Veteran Honor Project announcement is forthcoming. I’m incorporating Dave’s suggestions to the information I have.
I’m getting quotes from Frontier Signs in Harrison, Ohio on a new LED sign to replace the bulletin board in front of our building. I’ll have those soon.
The pickleball sign will be installed soon at the playground area.
