VILLAGE OF NORTH BEND

21 TAYLOR AVENUE, NORTH BEND, OHIO 45052

                            March 27, 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 (excused), Mr. Deters, Mr. Bonner,

                                 Mrs. Romweber, Mrs. Bolser                                                                                                                                                                                    

MAYOR’S OPENING STATEMENT

No Report.

MINUTES

Joe Bonner moved that the February 27, 2023 minutes be accepted.  Bill Deters seconded the motion.  Motion carried 100%.

TREASURER’S REPORT

The 2023 Budget was approved by the Auditor.

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 reported he has completed the Worker’s Comp Policy Activity Rebate Program.  The maintenance crew cleaned out the ditch on the west side of US 50.  They cleaned the drains on Abbey Hill.  They also graded the property on Harbor Drive.  All five chainsaws are now working.  Nate mentioned a wood chipper that they do not presently use.  He will check with Rick Schultz as Mayor Sammons thought Rick used that to cut up honeysuckle.  Nate has begun the equipment inventory list and also implementing a monthly safety check on equipment/trucks they use daily. Grass cutting has begun.  Nate received a quote on street cleaning from Oberson’s.  They placed four tons of pea gravel behind the salt building.  Nate stated he can now cut the Point area including the ditch at Miami Avenue and Three Rivers Parkway.  We will advise Ryt’s Landscaping to discontinue mowing.  Mayor Sammons asked Nate to mulch the area under the overpass and check on pricing for drainage and filling in the ditch area at Sunset and St. Annes at TRP.  We may need to hire an outside contractor for this large project.  Nate stated the wall on St. Annes has been stabilized.

Minutes, March 27, 2023

MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR’S REPORT, Continued

Fran talked about the condition of Dollar General’s property.  The trash is overflowing from their dumpster and the building’s façade is deteriorating.  Scott composed a letter to Dollar General for Fran and Mayor Sammons’ review. 

Mayor Sammons asked Nate to place the President Harrison sign at the entrance to Harbor Drive, run electric for lighting and landscape that area.

DEPUTY CLERK’S REPORT

Marilyn submitted the Residential Recycling Incentive (RRI) report to Hamilton County on  March 8^th.  We should see the refund by the end of April.  Marilyn spoke with Gage Bradford regarding North Bend’s usual refund being $400-600 and our expenses being approximately $4,000 for our recycling efforts.  He advised me that they may be going to a standard minimum refund and mentioned the amount of $5,000, which would really help smaller communities.

Marilyn advised the library of the available land on St. Annes for a new library location.  We are partnering with Three Rivers School for Hamilton County’s Small Events Grant due March 31^st.  We received our $1,000 PEP grant for maintenance safety. We also applied for a second $15,000 grant from Hamilton County to pay for the remaining cost of the pickleball court and updates to our playground.

North Bend’s Spring Clean-up dates are April 28 – May 31, 2023.  The yard waste dumpster will be located on Post Street.  We held our Riverfront Development meeting on March 4^th.   Marilyn advised Mayor Sammons, Fran Romweber and Dave Moorman that early August, 2023 is the deadline for all paperwork to be submitted for re-election.

POLICE REPORT

Sgt. Carney reported there were 40 calls for service for the month of February; 73 YTD. There was one case assigned to detectives and four criminal reports; two breaking and entering, one theft and one domestic violence case reported. There were two non-criminal reports; one overdose and one deceased person.

Mayor Sammons asked Sgt. Carney to check on the property located on Harbor Drive that we acquired.  Mayor Sammons also mentioned that the tenant at 346 Three Rivers Parkway has been evicted and has left the property.  Any remaining structures left behind will be the responsibility of the property owner to remove.

GUESTS

Mr. Andrew Jones, President of Queen City Wheels, spoke about the Jeff Swartout Challenge bike run on July 16, 2023.  It will begin in Cleves and end at the President William Henry Harrison burial site on Cliff Road.  Sign ups begin at 8:00am and the race should last from 10:00am-12:00pm; they expect approximately 60 competitors.  There will be police presence, porta potties and they will clean up any trash.

Mr. Josh Miller, 9 Lakeview Drive, spoke to council regarding a neighbor’s water drain/basin issue that’s flooding his property and causing damage.  The neighbor at 17 Lakeview Drive is having massive back-up issues because a pipe is clogged.  Water is overflowing the driveways and into the yard causing damage to Mr. Miller’s property.  Joe Bonner asked Nate to look at the catch basin and determine what the problem may be. 

Minutes, March 27, 2023

GUESTS, Continued

Susan West, 21 Lakeview, stated Mr. Addison may be dumping dirt and rock behind his property.  She stated North Bend said an engineer would assess the problem and restore the road to its original condition.  Mayor Sammons asked Marilyn to contact JMA regarding this Lakeview property and what did they conclude as to the problem.

FIRE REPORT

In Chief Lacey’s absence, Bill Deters reported there were two fire runs and twelve EMS runs.

THREE RIVERS SCHOOL

Superintendent Ault reported spring break is April 1 – April 7.  Graduation is scheduled for May 22^nd.  TRS held a student job fair and a bunny breakfast for students.  Dr. Ault attended a Teacher Career Fair and stated there are not enough teachers for the jobs available.  They want to hire the very best, however, there were two schools for every applicant for a teaching position.  Part of the problem began because of COVID pandemic, people now want to work from home and school safety.  Dr. Ault talked about how artificial intelligence has become a problem for teachers and an asset at the same time.  Bev Bolser asked Dr. Ault if there were students that may want community service hours cleaning up Congress Green Cemetery.          Dr. Ault responded that the football players are always looking for service hours to complete.

COMMITTEES:

Finance - Mr. Moorman

No Report.

Light, Water and Sewer   - Mrs. Romweber

No Report. 

Maintenance - Mr. Bonner

Joe stated he sent a letter to the owner of 108 Symmes Avenue stating the home appeared to be abandoned and that there were broken windows and trash strewn on the property.  The owner has a few additional days to respond.

Joe Bonner read the first reading of Resolution 2023-08 Authorizing Mayor to Execute Amendment to Agreement between the State of Ohio Department of Transportation and the Village of North Bend for the Removal and Control of Snow and Ice.

Law Director, Scott Sollmann stated we should have a motion to approve Joe Bonner as the current Code Enforcer and Chair of Law & Ordinance until a new council member is appointed.  Fran Romweber made a motion to assign Joe Bonner as the current Code Enforcer and Chair of Law & Ordinance.  Bill Deters seconded the motion.  Motion carried 100%.

Police & Fire – Mr. Deters

Bill reported that he received a phone call and Marilyn an email regarding the detour signage on US 50.  Over the next two years, there will be five weekend occurrences and six weeknight occurrences closing I-74WB at I-75NB/SB where traffic will be rerouted to US 50.  The exact dates are yet to be determined.  We shouldn’t expect any heavy traffic.

Planning & Zoning - Mrs. Bolser

Bev stated Mr. Navarro will apply for permits for the renovation of his property and Mr. Tisch will dispose of the remaining structures his tenant left behind on his property.  

Minutes, March 27, 2023

Law & Ordinance

No Report.

Beautification – Mrs. Romweber

Fran said she spoke with Jim Bratton of Whitewater Township regarding the dump on            Route 128.  He stated the Port Authority will pay the first $50,000 for cleaning up the property.  The owners of the property are delinquent in paying property taxes.  There was an interested party to purchase the property.

COUNCIL’S OLD BUSINESS

Joe talked about the company that’s offering to do an independent study of our roads. This study is long term; they grade each road and determine what remedy applies to that road.  Council wanted to wait to vote on this as Dave Moorman and the new council member would  be in attendance at our April meeting.

LAW DIRECTOR’S OLD BUSINESS

No Report.

MAYOR’S OLD BUSINESS  

No Report.

COUNCIL’S NEW BUSINESS

Fran and Bev talked about the bi-partisan Elected Women’s Event by Hamilton County Commissioners. It was well attended and they enjoyed meeting other women who attended the event.

Regarding North Bend’s electric aggregation program, Bev asked if we should consider competitor’s quotes in comparison to Dynegy.  Mayor Sammons stated we have already chosen an electric company and Dave Moorman will give a report on this at our April meeting.

LAW DIRECTOR’S NEW BUSINESS

Bev Bolser made a motion to adopt Resolution 2023-07 Emergency Resolution Providing Authority to the Law Solicitor to Execute the Subdivision and Special District Settlement Participation Forms for the TEVA, Allergan, CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart Settlement Participation Agreements Pursuant to the ONEOHIO memorandum of Understanding and Placing Any Received Funds in the Village’s ONEOHIO Fund.  Bill Deters seconded the motion.  Motion carried 100%.

MAYOR’S NEW BUSINESS/ REPORT

Mayor Sammons talked about the Riverfront Development meeting on March 4, 2023.  We have a new member, Skip Holmes and Fran mentioned that Patti Carroll would like to join the committee.  Mayor Sammons also spoke with Representative Greg Landsman.  Marilyn sent him the original Riverfront Development plans.  Mayor Sammons will speak at the Aston Oaks Homeowners meeting and suggested having a meeting for donors.  Our next meeting is Saturday, April 1, 2023 at 10:00am.

OPEN TO THE FLOOR

No Report.

Minutes, March 27, 2023

MAYOR AND COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS, COMMENTS

Our next council meeting is Monday, April 24, 2023 at 6:00pm.

MAYOR’S FINAL COMMENTS

No Report.

At 7:57pm, Joe Bonner moved that council go in to executive session in accordance with Ohio Revised Code  121.22(G)(1) to discuss the employment and compensation of a public official.  Bill Deters seconded the motion.  Motion carried 100%.

The four councilpersons that were present and Law Director Sollmann participated in executive session until it concluded.

At 8:07pm, council returned from executive session.

After the regular meeting resumed, Joe Bonner made a motion to replace Max Morgan’s open council seat with Mr. Mark Weadick.  Bill Deters seconded the motion. Motion carried 100%.

Mayor Sammons approved of the appointment of Mr. Mark Weadick.

ADJOURNMENT:     

Fran Romweber made a motion to adjourn the meeting.  Bev Bolser seconded the motion.  Motion carried 100%.   Meeting was adjourned at 8:11p.m.                      

                                                   Respectfully Submitted,

_____________________________                 _______________________________  

Fiscal Officer                                                          Mayor

Minutes, March 27, 2023

TREASURER’S REPORT

March 27, 2023

To Council Members for Your Information and Review

Our 2023 budget request was submitted and approved by the County Auditor.

My annual report noting ARPA funds expenses is due April 30, 2023. Required registrations and renewals for different agencies has been completed.

We issued no purchase orders this month.

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 reported he has completed the Worker’s Comp Policy Activity Rebate Program.  The maintenance crew cleaned out the ditch on the west side of US 50.  They cleaned the drains on Abbey Hill.  They also graded the property on Harbor Drive.  All five chainsaws are now working.  Nate mentioned a wood chipper that they do not presently use.  He will check with Rick Schultz as Mayor Sammons thought Rick used that to cut up honeysuckle.  Nate has begun the equipment inventory list and also implementing a monthly safety check on equipment/trucks they use daily. Grass cutting has begun.  Nate received a quote on street cleaning from Oberson’s.  They placed four tons of pea gravel behind the salt building.  Nate stated he can now cut the Point area including the ditch at Miami Avenue and Three Rivers Parkway.  We will advise Ryt’s Landscaping to discontinue mowing.  Mayor Sammons asked Nate to mulch the area under the overpass and check on pricing for drainage and filling in the ditch area at Sunset and St. Annes at TRP.  We may need to hire an outside contractor for this large project.  Nate stated the wall on St. Annes has been stabilized.

Fran talked about the condition of Dollar General’s property.  The trash is overflowing from their dumpster and the building’s façade is deteriorating.  Scott composed a letter to Dollar General for Fran and Mayor Sammons’ review. 

Mayor Sammons asked Nate to place the President Harrison sign at the entrance to Harbor Drive, run electric for lighting and landscape that area.

DEPUTY CLERK’S REPORT                               March 27, 2023                     Marilyn Kramer

• I submitted North Bend’s Residential Recycling Incentive report to Hamilton County on March 8^th.  I’m hoping to receive the funds from this program by the end of April.  I spoke with Gage Bradford, Hamilton County, about our usual refund amount of $600.00 for our recycling efforts.  He advised me that they may be going to a minimum funding ($5,000) for this project in 2024/2025.

• I’m working with Lisa Whiteley, Three Rivers School, regarding the small grant event through Hamilton County.  The application is due March 31, 2023.

• I advised Carrie Bernard, Manager of the Cleves library of the available land on St. Annes for a possible new library in North Bend.  Ms. Molly DeFosse contacted me for more information.

• We should receive the $1,000 PEP grant monies for maintenance safety products soon.

• We applied for a second $15,000 grant through Hamilton County Public Health to pay for the additional $5,000 needed to purchase the pickleball court.  The additional monies would pay to upgrade the playground.  We will know if we receive this grant by April 5, 2023.  I also spoke with Mr. Chris Castleman, Cincinnati Sportscapes, (they gave Max the original quote) and he stated he will speak with his people about completing the project for the $15,000.

• I requested the amendment to the agreement from ODOT for snow/ice removal on US50.

• North Bend’s Spring Clean-Up dates are April 28 – May 26, 2023.  The yard waste dumpster is located behind the administration building on Post Street.

• Prepared agenda for our first Beautification (Riverfront Development) meeting and the minutes are attached.

• Mayor Sammons, Fran Romweber and Dave Moorman…..please remember early August, 2023 is the deadline to complete all paperwork for re-election.