Ron Nunnery moved that the June 24, 2013 Minutes be accepted. Ron Hartoin seconded the motion. Motion carried 100%.
There was a discussion about the repainting of double yellow lines.
There was an extensive discussion about the new requirement for reflective street and stop signs. Rick Schultz is attending a training meeting on this topic Thursday and will report back to Council.
Sgt. Daugherty asked if there is a noise ordinance. Yes, North Bend does have a noise ordinance, but some complaints about the golf course need to be directed to Miami Township, as many areas of the course and the clubhouse are in the Township.
There were 51 calls in June, 2 DUIs and 3 criminal investigations. There has been an increase in criminal activity in North Bend and in Miami Township. An arrest has been made and a suspect was connected to at least four (4) burglaries.
Fran Romweber said the two (2) complaints about the golf course noise may not be enough to warrant enforcement. She stated living on a golf course means there will be early morning mowing.
The Mayor reviewed that just because you have a North Bend address does not mean you actually live in North Bend. Many residents with a North Bend address live in the Township.
The training exercise at the new school is August 20 from 10:00am – 2:00p.m. for police and the fire departments including the bomb squad.
Mayor Sammons asked residents to be aware of increased crime and to keep the lights on at night.
Ron Nunnery introduced Eric Winhusen, Superintendent of the Cleves Water Works. Eric explained the EPA Consumer Confidence Report that many Cleves Water Works customers recently received. Eric said the EPA sets the standards and he said CWW exceeds those standards in all categories. Bill Welch asked for an explanation of some of the terms in the report. Eric states CWW customer costs are in the bottom 5% in Ohio.
Ron Hartoin asked Eric about the fire hydrant outages. Eric says they are working as fast as possible given the staff they have at this time.
There was a discussion about the current state of the sewers in our area. Eric stated the sewers are the responsibility of MSD and we can expect sewer rates to increase.
A resident asked about the level of the Aquifer. Eric says the level has not dropped six (6) inches in the last eleven (11) years. We are drawing 1 million gallons per day and the Aquifer could support 8 million gallons per day.
Chief Ober reported for the month of June there were 10 EMS runs and 2 fire details. The fire inspections are ongoing; two (2) hydrants are on the repair list. North Bend is averaging one drug overdose per month.
Dave Moorman asked about the fire hydrants that are out of service. One hydrant is an old outage and one is a new outage. The District has many old hydrants. Chief Ober says we have plenty of back-up hydrants as hydrants are a few hundred feet apart and the fire trucks carry 1,000 feet of hose.
New school dedication is August 18, from 2:00p.m. - 4:00p.m. Taylor High School surplus auction is scheduled for August 24th at 10:00a.m.
Three Rivers Middle School is under contract for sale to Crossroads Church.
Ron Hartoin asked Council for their thoughts on upgrading the storage building. Rick Schultz said upgrades could be completed for $15,000 - $18,000. Tim Boll, Bill Welch, Ron Hartoin and Dave Moorman agreed for the need for upgrading with a possible 2-3 year phase-in. A proposal will be made at the August meeting. Tim Boll requested the building be fenced and lockable.
There will be a Citizen’s Crime Commission Meeting (Neighborhood Watch) on August 22 at 7:00p.m. at the Village Council Chambers.
Dave Moorman stated that some properties are still not in compliance and notices will be sent out next week.
Regarding the property maintenance code, several complaints have been made about grass and weeds on residential and non-residential property. The ordinance committee is forming a proposal for council to address these issues.
The Beautification Committee meeting was held Saturday, July 6.
The We Thrive meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 6 at 7:00p.m. to discuss the playground grant. "We Thrive" is a possible grant for upgrading/replacing the Village park next to Council Hall.
Sidewalk repairs will be completed as the Washington Sewer Project begins.
The US 50 guardrail has been repaired.
Mayor Sammons will provide a sample Resolution to the Law and Ordinance Committee for consideration of an Ordinance establishing a policy for excessive emergency runs.
Bill Welch reviewed a letter from St. Joseph Church to its’ members about the possible purchase of Taylor High School. They have formed a committee to look into the purchase. Bill Welch will contact St. Joseph’s committee and share North Bend’s vision for the Taylor High School property.
Two bids have been received for the repairs of St. Anne’s. There is additional damage so Rick will ask for rebids on that issue. Bill Welch asked for a temporary repair and Rick Schultz will take care of that. There are two houses under construction on St. Anne’s.
There was a review of the current fire levy. This levy will replace the 1 mil levy (Life Squad) and our $15,000 annual payment to Miami Township for Fire Protection.
Dave Moorman said we are under a 10-year contract through 2018. Dave feels the growth in North Bend should cover the increased cost of services. There was a discussion around how levies work. Levies do not produce additional money even though property values may have increased during the term of the levy. Dave Moorman reiterated, a vote to increase property taxes from 1 mill to 2.29 mills represents an increase of over 100% to all property tax payers.
Miami Township residents pay 3.29 mills for Fire/EMS. Chief Ober discussed the history of Miami Township’s Fire/EMS Service and how they have responded to the changes in the Village. They’ve provided an additional life squad and additional EMTs. He also mentioned the increased amount of homes in the Village.
Ron Hartoin made a motion to adopt Resolution 2013-18 Declaring it Necessary to Put a Replacement Levy on the November 5, 2013 Ballot as Allowed by Article XII, 2 of the Ohio Constitution, in Excess of the Limitation for Life Squad and Emergency Medical Services. Fran Romweber seconded the motion. Motion passed 5-1. Dave Moorman opposed.
Discussion: Dave Moorman asked if Addyston and Cleves are asking for levies. They are; Cleves is next week and Addyston is next year.
Ron Nunnery made motion to adjourn the meeting. Ron Hartoin seconded the motion. Motion carried 100%. Meeting was adjourned at 9:04p.m.