City Council - Regular Meeting

Please join us for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Call the role please. Mayor Bailey here. Vice Mayor Baitman here, Mr. Goodyear here, Miss Hamlin here, Mr. Hart here, Miss Hazel Baker here, Mr. Janick here.

Hello everyone. With us tonight we have our director of finance Mark Medler, assistant city manager Chris Winage, clerk of council Misty Clark, city manager Dave Kennedy, city solicitor Joe Brun, our fire chief Otto Huber, police chief Michael Gabrielson, former mayor Rob Weise Gerber and former council members Pat Mays, Kent Blair, and Todd Osborne and many esteemed members of our fire department. I think that's everyone that I supposed to mention. So, welcome everyone. Glad to have you here. And first, let's go uh let's do the presentation from the Lovelin Sims Fire Department.

Good evening, Mayor, Council, and and Loveland residents. Uh if I could have Chief Fry come up here with me and also the representatives from Karen Wington Foundation, please.

Thank you. That's fine. So, on behalf of the Love and Sims Fire Department, we're uh we're happy to be here tonight and have the opportunity to be in front of you. Um we're proud to present this check of $6,000 to the Karen Wellington Foundation in support of their mission and all they do for individuals and families all all across um the community. So, this donation represents an effort from the firefighters. We conducted a fill the boot where we collected from it was truly a community effort. we collected from residents passing by through the city of Lovelin. Um we had firefighters on the street filling the boots. We also uh partnered with Bishop's Quarter and we did a uh uh fundraising event inside of their inside of their establishment. We collected donations and also were able to do a percentage of their sales that they were donated. So that's all part of this this donation as well. So with that, we'd like to thank everyone in the community who donated, everyone who supported us, and everyone who was a part of this. and we we'd like to donate this $6,000 to them. So, thank you.

Yeah, I'll I'll make this really quick. Um, but I do have a few heartfelt thank yous. Um, at KWF, we know that 100% of women diagnosed with breast cancer cancel plans with family and friends to focus on treatment. life gets put on hold and that's where we come in to put the fund back on the calendars of women and families living with breast cancer. Uh for several years now, the Loveland Sims Fire Department has raised money each October to help us fuel that mission and we are incredibly grateful for their genuine partnership. They do such a great job and we couldn't do what we do without them. Because of you, together we've been able to help thousands of women. You've helped create moments like friends singing together at concerts, someone attending a Bengals game for the very first time in person, or making family memories together on a beautiful beach somewhere. These aren't just fun experiences, they're reminders. You show up and remind those women that there is power in community, power in giving, and that they still have a lot of living left to do. that they are more than their cancer diagnosis and that one day life will feel normal again. On behalf of everyone at KWF and every woman and family that you've impacted, thank you for showing up, for caring, and for helping us give the gift of fund when it's needed most. Thank you. the the Karen Wellington Foundation is an amazing organization. I think this is a heck of a partnership because uh we're pretty proud of our fire department, too. So, what what a wonderful wonderful combination you have. Can we get a picture? We'll all stay back here and and you all and and the fire fighters up front. Chief

tippy toe. Yeah. I said to be taller than cat. Mason.

Hit it.

Oh my goodness. That's close. Great job, guys. Thank you. Thank you for being here. You take care. And we have one more presentation tonight. I'd like to introduce uh Captain Brian Hall. He's our community paramedic and he's also in charge of our CAS accreditation. So, he has got a presentation.

Oh, good evening, mayor, council members, city manager, guests. um like to uh take this opportunity tonight to um thank you. Proud to present you guys with a plaque recognizing the city as achievement of another CAS accreditation since you know we've been accredited since 1998 from the commission accreditation of ambulance services. Uh earning a CAS accreditation once is is an accomplishment. Uh but continuing to earn that accreditation shows a uh sustained commitment to excellent emergency medical care. Uh this reacreditation reflects the rigorous independent review and confirms that our EMS system continues to meet the highest national standards uh for patient care, safety, and clinical performance. For our residents, this means trust. Trust that when you call 911, um they're receiving a care from an EM system is not just good but excellent. Um this achievement belongs to our paramedics, EMTT, supervisor, staff is made possible through the continued support of this council leadership. Um the casation is um an ongoing commitment and this plaque represents both our partnership and promise to the community. So on the behalf of Chief Huber 11 Fire Department, thank you for your support and commitment to excellencies. Thank you, Captain. We uh I think we take for granted sometimes how much of a professional fire department that we have and uh and and the accreditations because they just keep coming and and we we're used to them for decades. So, but but we don't it may seem that way, but we do not take it for granted. We're very proud of all of you and and what you accomplish and what you bring to this community. So, thank you. Let's can we do a picture with uh let's do this again? That's cool.

That is cool. Thank you.

Well done. Great job, Cat. All right, well done. Thank you all. Thanks for coming.

Okay, Hearts of Fire Weekend. Nancy Dothan, Sherry Fenning. Okay. Well, it's hard to beat that, but here we go. Sherry. Uh, I'm Nancy. And I'm Sherry. and we're here to talk about hearts of fire season. Are you ready?

We've been planning this event. The leaves started falling back in September. Right. And every year we try to think of a new theme. Okay. So this year we thought hearts of fire has never fallen on Friday the 13th. So maybe we capitalize on that. We thought let's go with the theme of get lucky in loveland this Valentine's Day. We thought that would draw a big crowd. Don't you? I thought it would. Well, Misty shut that down. Something about inappropriate blah blah blah. Whatever. So, we decided to go with love lives here. It kind of sounds like Shark Tank, doesn't it? Okay. All right. Here we go.

Some things returning to Hearts of Fire again this year due to popular demand. Uh, the ice sculptures and ice carving demonstrations. Uh, carriage rides starting at the firehouse. Psychic readings. The best psychic readings at Yeah. Uh, pet adoptions and uh, puppy kissing booths at the Loveland Hardware store. It's adorable. And the never boring, always popular honka honka burning long. Oh boy. Oh, we know. Renewal. So, mayor, dust off that Elvis costume and charge up your shoes. Are you ready? Oh, I'm ready.

Oh my god. Um, speaking of wedding vow renewals, we hope this is happening. I'm not sure if you're aware, but did you know we have um a Loveland High School graduate sweetheart couple? They were sweethearts in high school. They are 94 years old and they just celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary and we are trying really hard to let them make them come to Loveland and if it happens, Tanos has agreed to give them a dinner and everything. So, we're working on it, but if it happens, we need to introduce them before the wedding bow renewals, right? Sure. and ask them what the secret is. What could you possibly tell us to make us last 75 years with our spouses,

right? We need to know this. Everyone wants to know. Okay, we'll keep you posted. All right. Now, what else is new for Hearts of Fire 2026? Not only did Hearts of Fire fall on Friday the 13th this year, it's also happening during the Olympics. So, we tried to capture the spirit and we designated an area I call the Olympic Village meets Eskimo Kisses. Yeah.

Uh, this will be located in the lawn across the hall or across from city hall. There are lots of games for little kids and big kids. Um, and oh my, there are light up igloos. I mean, can you imagine? I'm so excited. Okay. And I'm hoping on Friday or and Saturday, sorry, Saturday at 5:00, you all come with your significant others and you got to meet me across the hall, across the hall, across the street at the fountain over there because we're doing this ridiculous game. It's very non-athletic. It's called Couples Olympics. It involves filling dishwashers, changing baby diapers, uh folding laundry, you know, all the stuff that really matters in life. So, we're gonna have a competition. There's gold medals involved. Really nice ones. You're going to want to do it. It's going to be The more couples we get, the more fun that'll be.

This is true. Okay. Well, Highland Cows are coming. Yeah. This is the new attractions for this year. Yeah, it is. Who doesn't love adorable cows? Pet them, feed them, take pictures with them. I love it. Uh, silent disco at the Better Blends across from Ramsay's. Have you ever been to a silent disco? Do does anybody know how cool this is? It's totally silent and and it's very loud in your head and it's light up sticks and it's going to go crazy. We're going to love it. Okay. Portable cigar bar, full table made of ice that you can play on, tattooing the real ones, all in front of the barber shop.

And we're going to have celebrity lookalike contest. So, let's hope we have like a thousand Taylor and Travis look alike show up for our party right here in city hall. We'll have crafters, local local vendors. Uh, we're going to be showing the Princess Bride movie at the Lovelin Stage Company. As you wish. We'll just stick to the script. A singalong dance party at Ramsay's in the enclosed outdoor seating area.

Oh boy. And this one, letters to Juliet. Uh you can write a letter to Juliet and you can ask her all of your love questions if you have problems and you will receive a response. Uh this is happening at mile 42 and the uh bike trail bookstore. We got food trucks and all of our local restaurants ready to go. There's so much more to mention, but we won't. Right. Okay. So, we hope to see you all this weekend and remember how lucky you are to live in Loveland because love lives here. YEAH.

WELL, you all outdo yourselves every year. And the weather is cooperating. Looks like it's be warm and sunny. Be wonderful. Cannot wait. As it should. Well done. And you don't have to stay for the rest of the meeting, though. You're welcome to. No, but you can. Look at him. Your husband want He wants to get out of here. Thanks for being here. Thank you. All right, Mr. Wisegver.

Thanks a lot for putting me on the agenda after everybody in front of me. I appreciate that immensely. Mayor, the table has been set for you.

Yeah. So, good evening, Mayor Council. Um, I am Rob Weisserber. I've been around involved in the city of Lovelin probably for over 30 years. Uh, first got on council in 95. Served on almost all committees and commissions at one point or another, including council, mayor, vice mayor, etc. Um, what I'm here to talk about is Loveland University. And first and foremost is a plea to help make sure we have participants. So as you know, Loveland University is about helping our residents understand how the city of Lovelin provides its services and they are top-notch services for low dollar amounts. Um how does that get done? What kind of professional staff do we have? Lovelin University is geared to adult learning, which is experience-based learning throughout the community. It's not just city functions. It involves others as well. The stage company, the Little Miami Conservancy, what you know, again, thinking about uh the environment, how do you manage preservation around the environment and yet promote economic development? How does that work? Um, so these are 10 unique sessions that uh we put on and we I try to help organize it, try to connect the dots, but this is done using guest speakers, those in the know, the uh public works directors, the police chief, the fire, EMS, you name it. whatever goes on around the city, we have people involved to help uh residents understand what we do and how we do it. Um these are mostly offsite. It's not a classroom. Like I said, it's

experiencebased learning. Uh a lot of us as adults will only learn based on experience. Um and so that's what we do. The training is hands-on. it is uh if you're going to do the fire session, you will be dawning fire gear um and putting out simulated fires. For some of you, that might not be exciting. For others, it's like their bucket list. So, um we have debates, deliberation. This is about discussion, exploring what you don't know and getting different points of views. It's an interactive. This class for this year is coming up uh the 25th of February, Wednesday, two weeks out. We do not have enough students yet. We're close, but I need another four or five. Uh I've put a plea out to uh the alumni and we've had a great response in the last day. I've got four or five people to sign up. So, we're getting close to the right number to have a very tight-knit class, but I will need your help. Uh, so that's what I'm here for is to ask uh one provide a reminder, but also ask for your help in getting particip participants um including those of you sitting at this table that may not have attended. I know you're busy, but it would be really good for you to experience and see all that the city has to offer as you sit up here at the table. So, I would really like to see those who have not attended attend. I won't name you by name, but but I am asking for a little bit of help. And uh it's a phenomenal program.

Um we've we started this probably what 2018 2019 and uh we've had to skip the year for COVID but it's been ongoing extremely well supported by the city and by staff for the residents for people who are involved live in the community. I ask for your help and look forward to our class coming up on the 25th. All right. We have our own homework. find some you have some homework or sign up yourself. Thank you, sir.

All right. We do not have anybody signed up for open forum. That takes us to approval review and approval of minutes of the January 27th 20 26th meeting. Any changes, additions? Move to approve as written. Second. Call the role, please. Vice Mayor Baitman. Yes, Mr. Goodyear. Yes, Miss Hamlin. Yes, Mr. Hart. Yes, Miss Hazel Baker. Yes, Mr. Jarnick. Yes, Mayor Bailey. Yes. Motion carries seven to zero. Next, we have a motion for public hearing. Would someone please make that motion?

Anyone? I'll move that we open a public hearing to consider the sale of property boy park and tiger trail. Is there a second? Second. Call the role, please. Mr. Goodyear. Yes. Miss Hamlin. Yes. Mr. Hart. I want to recuse due to my employment. Miss Hazelbaker. Yes. Mr. Jarnick. I I recuse myself as well. Mayor Bailey. Yes. Vice Mayor Baitman. Yes. Motion carries five to zero. No one signed up for that. Can we have a motion to close? Motion to close the public hearing regarding Hill property, Boi Park, and Tiger Trail. Second. Thank you. Call RO, please. Miss Hamlin.

Yes. Do I call Mr. Hart and Mr. Jarnick again or skip them? Yes. Okay. Mr. Hart, recuse due to my employment. Miss Hazel Baker, yes. Mr. Jarnick, I recuse um with my relationship with my wife. Mayor Bailey. Yes. Vice Mayor Baitman. Yes. Miss Mr. Goodyear. Yes. Motion carries five to zero. Mr. Kennedy.

Um, in front of council is uh legislation which would uh authorize the submission of a build uh grant uh through uh actually a build planning grant. It's actually a federal grant for the department of transportation. So um as as everyone knows the city completed uh four master plans over the course of about two and a half to three years uh comprehensive master plan and downtown uh downtown plan a NISA park master plan and we also did a streetscape plan. All of the uh all of those plans in some form of fashion are in the works at least in the terms of funding search. One of the more difficult items to fund is a streetscape plan. It doesn't typically meet the standard infrastructure grant uh criteria and um it is difficult. We submitted for the Appalachian Community Grant. We submitted through a special solicitation for the Ohio Department of Transportation. We submitted for the Ohio Public Works Commission. None of those uh resulted in funding. Uh we were made aware of a federal program called build which is better utilizing investments to leverage development. Uh we then reached out to the Ohio Department of Transportation uh to talk about our project and what we want to do and their answer to the city was you should apply for a planning grant first that will get you in line. This is a uh a multi-billion dollar uh project $1.5 billion project uh fund amount of funds that they have available. It's extremely competitive. those communities that take the time to go through the planning process are better aligned. Um, and they also said if you're asking for straight up streetscaping, um, that is not likely to be funded. What you need to do is do a more uh what they call mobility plan, add traffic improvements to it, and you may be right

where you want to be. So with that, this uh resolution would allow the city to a submit the application and b sub uh include the 20% required local match. Choice one gave us an estimate. There would be a procurement process, but this was is about what the process would call uh round 196. It is would give the city a significant look at Five Points, the trestle, anything that we can do that would take the streetscape, intermingle it with uh traffic improvements. Thank you. Any comments or questions?

Well, I hope we get this because this is our fourth or fifth attempt at this funding for uh this particular project. All right. Want to go ahead and read the resolution, please? Resolution authorizing the submission of a better utilizing investments to leverage development planning grant and committing a local match. Call the role, please. Mr. Hart, yes. Miss Hazel Baker, yes. Mr. Jarnick, yes. Mayor Bailey, yes. Vice Mayor Baitman, yes. Mr. Goodyear, yes. Miss Hamlin, yes. Resolution 17 is adopted by a vote of seven to zero. Mr. county.

So, following the public hearing tonight, uh this would be the first reading to for the sale of Wiki Park and Tiger Trail uh to the school district. Um I mean this we've initially started this conversation with the school district uh that and I mean this honest very genuinely our whole intention in sitting down with the school district uh regarding Boe Park was just from a standpoint of an economic development looking out for one of the leader lar one of the largest employers of the city and that conversation which has been going on for a while sort of led to uh how to pay for the property um and the fact that the credit that has been building up uh towards the school district would be a good way for um which is begins in 2027 for the property to be transferred. Um, the best way I can describe uh the the way the downtown tiff has worked is the downtown tiff was actually uh approved many many years ago and Tom uh Carol was able to use those funds to create what is Lovelin Station uh as part of the agreement with the with school district the city provide them provided them a school resource officer. So at what time that the downtown tiff was not yet producing funds uh it was constructed throughout 15 part of 16 started generating revenue second half 16 17 18 so at that period of time when the uh when the city was providing an SRO and Tom included uh any construction there'd be a waiver on permits and those be applied as a credit that we were building up uh we were building up a bit of credit we were building a credit uh that was owed to the city around uh letter 16, school year 17, the district hired Fred who

retired and that was about the same time that the downtown tiff money started to kick in. So the bell curve started to go back up the other direction. So these get uh regulated every year. Every year we Mark goes through the taxes, we figure out their percentage and then that starts to build up. For example, uh in 2026, we anticipated $296,000 in downtown TIF money and we actually came in at 367. So, what you're seeing now is the other buildings are starting to kick in and the downtown tiff money is beginning to grow. So the school district, it allows this process allows the school district to own and add to the high school campus, not have to cut the city a check and for us to use that credit towards this. The way the the the current numbers are. And if I was a little obtuse in the memo, it's because we know exactly where we were in 2024. We've got our number for end of year 2025. We just have not certified that. So it actually works out perfectly. And if you read through the downtown tiff agreement and the way the way Tom and council wrote it at the time was uh was that um effective July 1st, 2027 through July 30th, 2037 to the extent that the city owes the school district any unpaid composition, the city and the school district shall agree not later than December 31st, 2026 on a schedule for paying unpaid compensation prior. So we're doing exactly what the tiff agreement said to do. And I think this is I I think I think that you can't emphasize the importance enough how important it is that we keep the school district. There's no plans there any thing. They're building some I know in the short term they want to get some student parking over there. While they're greatly appreciative that the city allows the students to park at Phillips and the things that we've done with traffic, they really want those

kids to be parking at the high school. That's all that I can tell you in full honesty that they're committing to do at this point in time. So that that was it. I'm I apologize for rambling, but there there was a lot involved in this. So I didn't that was all I had here. Thank you. Any comments or questions? Miss Hazel Baker. Um I mean I think because that road seems like a I've always just assumed it was a entrance to the school that that started to make a lot of sense. We had no plan purp purpose for the city to use it. Um, does this purchase agreement have any limits on future resale or non-school use of the property?

No, we've never uh factored that in. I guess um we've um I guess we I I and you know what they say about assume I guess I just always assume that the school district would be using it for educational purposes. Um there are zoning requirements that could limit what they do. Um, uh, that's a good question. It will no longer be a city street. That would impact somewhat. We will be abandoning that as a city street. I I don't know outside of zoning any other restrictions that may be in place.

Okay. Any other comments or questions? Samlin, if so, if this is no longer going to be city property, this Tiger Trail, how what does that do to snow removal as well? They'll be doing it themselves. Okay. And as I mentioned that we have an easement will be it's included in there. There's a pump station and a water mean easement that we'll maintain that will just grant us the right for to make repairs as we would in front of your house or anyone's house. Just just dedicates that. It's a pretty important water man. All all water means are important. It's that's sort of a dumb thing to say, but it's it you know that was included from the very beginning.

Thank you. Any other comments, questions? Yes. Oh, no. You just wrote Yes. No. Okay. All right. I'll go ahead and read the ordinance, please. Ordinance authorizing the city manager to execute a real estate purchase agreement with the board of education of the Lovelin City School District for the sale of property comprising Boy Park and Tiger Trail and declaring said property no longer needed for municipal purposes. Thank you. That was a first reading only. Uh Mr. Wid.

Thank you, Mayor. Um this time last year uh we came before council um with a new basically a new proposal for our aggregation program for electric. Um as you recall um we were coming out of I believe it was a three-year uh term prior to that. We decided to enter into a 12-month term. Uh and you recall how great the change was um in the electric rates. Um we're now at that point where went back out for proposals. Rates are rates have stabilized. Um they look a lot better. It has they have increased a little uh but nothing like what we saw last time. Um we received three different proposals uh from three different energy suppliers um ranging from 12, 24, 36 months and even a 13-month one which is actually the one we're going to recommend here. um you're seeing kind of in the market and in in your packet you're seeing the explanation for why the rates are still going up. I think we all know kind of what that revolves around which is a lot of shuttering of plants um changing in weather patterns, all that kind of stuff. So, it's very speculative. Um which is why you'll see we're asking for a 13-month term. this will put us one month deeper into the year for the next one which actually is favorable for pricing. Um so we kind of looked at some things and we talked about what what you know are we in the sweet spot for getting good pricing and and they kind of said you really need to be a month or two later. Um so we received a 13-month price of 9.99 cents per kilowatt hour um from Dynagy the same same provider currently that's uh available to our residents. Uh once again this program is an opt out pro. You can opt out of the program anytime you want. Opt in and out without any termination fees. Uh we encourage our residents to utilize the

apples to apples website which is the Ohio uh sponsored website that gives you a good breakdown of current rates and it really tells you in simple terms the fine print um that a lot of people aren't a aren't aren't seeing sometimes when they get knocks on the door and trying to get people trying to get them signed up. Um so with that said this is a request for an emergency ordinance uh due to the fact that uh the volatility of the markets of energy markets they hold their pricing for 30 days specifically this MSA the master service agreement. Um we are holding tight. We're not going to actually sign today or tomorrow. Um we saw the number that today I got it in. It was a little over 10. We're going to hold tight. So, we're asking for basically what we're saying is it's going to be a not to exceed 10 cents per kilowatt hour. Uh, our consultant is very confident within the next week or two we're going to see that. Um, so with that, I'll take any questions.

You have any questions? Yeah. Vice Mayor,

thanks for the explanation, Chris. Uh and and I um if you remember last year I was curious why we you know you presented this but uh it might you know I I would prefer to see us and I think maybe just because I remember when we had longer terms and how those rates uh seem to be lower and it was just more uh security. also the convenience of uh if you don't want to be on the aggregate program for the user can to have to annually opt out uh as we continue on these sort of um you know annual contracts. So um I appreciate your explanation moving us a month ahead. Do you foresee us continually sort of chasing after that optimum dip in in the price matrix as it relates to the year or could we eventually at some point see that uh the the return on longer term would be beneficial for the city? And I part of the reason I asked is that you know you're right there's a lot of news around energy price volatility. there's a lot of competition uh you know for pe uh for uh from providers to try to get business um but also there's a lot of uh uh uncertainty in the actual infrastructure with regards to AI and data centers and and energy use and what that relates to companies and sort of providing a a different amount of service more of more magnitude to other organizations. So, I'm just curious

you're as you've invest, you know, uh been involved in this um contracting year-over-year, what's kind of the medium-term outlook for the city?

I think the goal of, you know, from the city's perspective, as well as what we're hearing from the consultant, the goal is to get closer to a two-year term. Um I think that's what you're going to hopefully see the next time we come. Um but I I think a lot of that is tied to what's going on. So, you know, there's a whole another discussion being had at a larger level, which is PJM, which is our grid essentially. Um, there's talks about us trying to get out of PJM, the state of Ohio moving up to more of the Midwest. Um, so those are all kind of in play. Um, I think you see the numbers. I I think what the big thing is that I I stress and I talk to a lot of residents on this topic very often. Um, we although it is only a one-year rating and we could, you know, lock in at 24 months for a little bit higher over the course of the one-year term, we still were lower than the other the competition essentially. Um, so I think ideally, yes, we would like to get it to a 24-month. I don't think our based on the conversations we've had with our consultant, I don't think we're comfortable going there yet. we think it we think it's going to flatten out potentially a little more and then we jump into more of a 24 or 36. So, that's kind of where we're at. And I like I said, I just want to reiterate, you know, uh it is difficult. It's a pain in the butt for residents, quite frankly, but it is beneficial to do your homework on it. You can opt in and out. Um I've talked to several, you know, some are willing I I compare it to day trading sometimes. I mean, you literally could go month in and month out from this program. um and save yourself some, you know, potential $5 here, $10 here. So, it's really up to the consumer. This is just a tool that the city's able to provide. Um but hopefully that answers it a little bit.

No, that does. And I appreciate you mentioning the the flexibility in the memo. You talked about the green energy choice, renewable energy as customers if you wanted to pursue that. So again, thanks for uh continuing to work on uh managing uh you know, some sustainability in our residents uh energy bills. Mr. Hart, he actually Okay. Anyone else? That's my question.

All right. This is uh being asked to be done as an emergency. So we will go ahead and read the ordinance. Ordinance authorizing all actions necessary to support the continuation of a governmental aggregation program with opt out provisions pursuant to Ohio Revised Code section 4928.20 and directing the city manager to execute a supply agreement with Dynag Energy Services LLC to continue an electric aggregation program beyond April 30th, 2026 when the current supply agreement ends and declaring an emergency. Thank you. Call the role, please. Miss Hazelbaker, yes. Mr. Janick, yes. Mayor Bailey, yes. Vice Mayor Baitman, yes. Mr. Goodyear, yes. Hamlin, yes. Mr. Hart,

yes. Ordinance 18 is adopted by a vote of 7 to zero. Mr. Witch,

thank you, Mayor. Um, back in November, uh, city council adopted legislation authorizing, uh, a new contract with Rumkey. Um, if you recall, we we are part of a a conglomerate known as SWAT, which is a bunch of communities uh that are put together by the Center for Local Government. Um, it's been very um very good to us, very good for the community. Um, we we are getting we in that contract we got very even though it was more very favorable based on what other communities are seeing recently. Um, so if you recall, um, the contract with Rumkey has is going from $15.20 20 cents inside the city to $18. Um, this is the straight up cost that we pay to Rumpkkey and outside the city is uh we have a$110 differential. Um, the reason we didn't bring the proposed uh increase in rates at that time is we needed to do some more homework and some more research on on this fund specifically. This is the sanitation and environmental fund. Um, this isn't simply a pass through. Most of it is a pass through that goes straight to Rumkey. But in addition to that, we provide um leaf brush, uh Christmas tree pickup, waste disposal programs with Evans Landscaping. Um the household hazardous waste drop off program uh that we partner with Sims Township in, which is actually coming up this year uh here in the city of Loveland. Um and keep in mind this also this fund also provides a portion of our public works salaries. Um, and it also is a local match for many of our recycling grant programs such as the new recycling containers that went that are around downtown and continue to be added around downtown. Um, so with that said, if you look currently, um, we were we were basically taking the the current rate of 1520 and adding $2.92 onto that and that's what we were charging our

residents at that current rate. Um you see our endofear fund balance for this fund has gone from in 2022 $122,000 down to at the end of 24 $36,000. Um so we are we are running through that and we're not making we're not making that money back to be able to supplement that fund. And ideally, you know, uh a monthly a monthly bill is somewhere in the neighborhood of 80 to $90,000 with Rumkey. So, you really want to have a month at least a month's uh payment in that fund uh to feel to feel comfortable. Um so, with that said, we kind of uh uh staff ran some numbers, took a look at kind of where we need to be to get us closer to more of a $110,000 carry um in that fund is kind of what we were looking to have um to be healthy there. And with that um in that chart in 2026, the customer rate would go from currently we're at 1771 inside the city, it would go to $22 inside the city. Um outside it would go from $181 to $2410. And basically per unit that's um the amount that's going to be dropped into that fund as profit is $4 for inside the city and $5 for outside the city. Um this is an increase. However, looking back, the 292 profit that we were putting on each unit has not been addressed since, from what I could gather, approximately 2016. Um, so we've been running on that same profit margin. Um, and kind of what we've laid out is potentially, or not potentially, but looking at a three-year incre, so doing this over three years so that we don't have to keep coming back. Um, we do see it value in putting a 3% increase on that profit each year. Um that's really, you know, that's the inflationary pressure um that we're seeing that would

help keep that fund where we need it to be. Um obviously this is an ordinance with two readings, so this will just be the first reading tonight. Um but I'll take any questions. Are there any questions?

Yes, Vice Mayor. Um, okay. Another question about um well contracts and and uh but this one I think is my my question really is around the the margin that you described 3% increase. Uh obviously to your point that's a needed uh uh reserve builder for the fund, but uh you also mentioned that there would be one-year options for this contract after the three years. I know it might be a we'll cross that bridge when we get to it, but do you think we would hold at the 4 420 4 530 margin mark in those renewal terms or would we continue to try to uh increase that?

I think we'll look at that, but it I didn't put in here um I don't have in here the uh fourth year and fifth year of what Rumpky's going to be charging. They're going up. Okay. Also, by actually a little bit greater than 3%. Okay. Okay. that well that makes to answer that question I would anticipate yes okay however um I think you know we would look at that point where does that fund stand um what are we still doing in services have we added any services so it would be good to look at it then um so yeah right okay that that just was I was just wanting to know if at any point that gap was going to either narrow or level off but it sounds like we don't know yet so thanks for that explanation

all right any other comments question want to do the first reading Ordinance amending the codified ordinances of Loveland chapter 111 schedule of fine, excuse me, schedule of fees, fines, and other charges regarding sanitation services. Thank you. Uh, Mr. Witch,

sorry, mayor. Thank you. Um, so we are up to, yes, our council manic update for PAX. Um, lot of lot of lot of stuff has happened. The last time I came um was or last time I talked was November 12th uh prior prior to the end of the year. Um we've done a lot of things in the interim here. Um I'm kind of going to do this a little chronologically of what we've been doing. Uh, one of the first things we did, um, we've been working with Congressman Lansman's office, uh, specifically with, uh, their staff me, one of their staff members, um, on trying to figure out, or not just figure out, but push for potential grant funding for private residents for filtration systems. Uh, currently there's nothing really out there. We've been working and working with them, um, but it's just we're pushing them. Um, so I can tell you that we're in constant contact. Um, and I'll kind of I'll jump around, but to to say to say we're pushing them, we're also we had a meeting recently with center center of local government also, and one of the things I push there is getting our the communities that are part of that together. Um, and you know, there's there's more power when you got more people, right? So, if I can get if we can get more communities pushing, we need funding, we need funding, we need funding, that's what we're going to do. So, we've been really working on that behind the scenes. Um, one of the other things we did, we sent out a mailer to all of our residents um with a bunch of PAS info on there. Kind of gave what it is, what's it in, what do we currently have, it's the PFOS in our water. Um, talked about the future progress of what we're doing. Um and you know critically in there is the resources that are out there and the stuff that is you know the smarter people than we are in this room at the USCPA and what they are putting out there in their recommendations and and that kind of stuff. So all that is was within that mailer. Um as far as our

design work is going we finished the rapid smell uh rapid small scale testing and ism testing uh down in at the Austin lab for AECOM. We identified Nor GA GAC 400 plus as the most reliable, economical and dependable media that we will center our uh design around. So that was a good first step. Um they did just this past week a we met with AECOM. We have uh monthly meetings but we met met with them. They finished the draft basis of design report which is essentially the 30% you know if you're looking at milestones this is about 30% design. This is a critical juncture of the design um because there's a lot of no turning backs at this point as far as what decisions we're making. Um you can make tweaks here at 60 and 90, but 30% is very critical because as you you know if you come in at 60 and 90 as changes architecturally or HVAC wise, then you're going back with change orders with the engineer and we don't want that. So we've we dug into this pretty deep. um they're going to be submitting the final BOD BOD to us um expected by the end of the month. Um I talked about meeting with central Local Government. The other thing we're doing um is we'll be attending a meeting here soon with OPWC um with our local division or our local uh district. Um Cindy Coffenstein, who's now at Indian Hill, uh she actually is leading the charge on this, but currently OPWC does not allow for funding uh for water improvements. Um straight up water improvements if you're a user feebased uh system. Um and we want to see some of that change so that some of this PAS infrastructure and construction can be potentially you uh available through grant money or through uh 0% loans. Um so we're working on that also. That's pretty much my update.

Okay. Thank you. Any uh follow-up questions, Mr. Goodyear?

Well, first of all, thank you for the information. I really appreciate I I think that that over time uh you've seen the the concern and and commitment by this council about trying to resolve this as quickly as possible. And obviously, um you're doing everything you can to work towards that. And I also very much appreciate hearing that you're working with um Congressman Lamb's been trying to get not only focused on funding the um long-term project, but also trying to find some stop gap measures for residents if possible. Um my question was at the same time you're talking about this kind of possible grant money for a short-term solutions. Is there any we've talked previously about the potential for either state or federal money coming to help us with what is going to be a very expensive project building this. Is there any sense of more movement from the federal government about funding the long-term project we have the $17 million we're have to find or portion of it we're have to find uh to build this um structure I wish I wish there was more um I wish there was more movement currently there's not um in fact Ohio EPA the money we received in grant money for the design the 1.3 million that program was a 4-year program and 2026 is the last year for that program. So, they're not going to they they have no money earmarked for 2027 2028 for emerging contaminants. Um, we have not heard much at all from the from the feds, which is why we're continuing to push this. Um, so to answer your question, no, not not not much.

Thank you. Any other questions? Yes, Vice Mayor. Uh you mentioned the rapid small testing with ACOM and that I identified a material spec. Could you just repeat what that was or anything you wanted to add about that specific uh detail?

Yeah. So so that's that's the way. So you have to do these two tests basically for Ohio EPA to accept this type of this media. Um we did uh we did three three different types of media. Two two by manufacturer Calon and one by Nor. Um they're just essentially different different makeups of carbon. Um obviously, you know, everyone has their own patent on things. And the reason why we were going with this, we actually saw it's called uh uh basic long story short, it's it's how long that media is going to last before we have to replace it. Right? So with these costs that we keep in mind, we're not just going to have infrastructure uh construction costs. We have O and M that's going to go into this and we're anticipating upwards of $100,000 per year uh in O andM additional O andM costs from what we currently have in our water improvement or water fund. Um so it's it wasn't a whole lot but we're looking at two to three more months on this type of uh this type of GAC. Um other than that was really the biggest factor in why we chose this one.

Okay. Thanks. Any other questions? All right. I was so excited to hear about PAS that I skipped over Miss Clark in 14A. So, we're going back to that which is on page 76 of your packet.

So, it's been council's practice to hold a goal setting session after the election season. Um during that session, um council establishes their priorities for the next two years. So, if council would like to proceed, I recommend that a motion be made to schedule a work session on Saturday, February 28th at 9:00 a.m. at the care center located at 111020 South Lebanon Road. Does anybody have any comments or questions about that? Would someone like to make a motion consistent with what Miss Clark said? I will make a motion to schedule a council goal setting session on February 28th at the care center on Lebanon Road.

Second. Call the roll, please. Mr. Janick, yes. Mayor Bailey, yes. Vice Mayor Baitman, yes. Mr. Goodyear, yes. Miss Hamlin, yes. Mr. Hart, yes. Miss Hazelbaker, yes. Motion carries seven to zero. Okay. Um, city council reports do have a few announcement. One is about hearts of fire which we heard all about. So I don't think I need to go through all that again other than to say if you see these around the the amount of activities that are occurring. They weren't kidding. There's they only touched on a little bit of it. There's something every minute of every day everywhere in the city. So and more has been added. And more has been added. So check the website.

Get down here and check the website. Um, also Lovelin University, once again, everybody has their homework. If everybody finds one person, we're good. Got mine.

Let's do it. Um, and we apparently have a new thing we're doing this year. Miss Clark has told me as we celebrate our 150th anniversary, we are going to reflect on the actions of city council over the years that have shaped and strengthened our community by offering some interesting, perhaps tidbits. In January of 1959, the Little Miami River overflowed its banks, flooding the city and marking one of the community's significant natural disasters of the era. In February of that year, city council adopted a resolution formally thanking the individuals and organizations who came together to assist the during the flood and its aftermath. In January, we're doing January because we skipped January. This is No, I'm just I'm just reading. In January of 1971, city council adopted a resolution requesting the Hampton County Commissioners to endorse the inclusion of the entire Little Miami River in the National Scenic Rivers Act. And my personal favorite, in February of 1997, Cincy City Council approved an amendment setting the finance director's annual salary at Does anybody want to make a guess?

A year. You are way overpaid at $18,762 1996 and you're making like 20some. So this is ridiculous. All right. Does anybody else have any Yes, Mr. Jarnet.

Uh thank you, Madame Mayor. Uh Council Member Hart and myself were at the VFW uh across from St. Columb. Our commander from the VFW, Jerry Wilson, wanted us to present this to council. It's pretty much a uh it's the Southwest Ohio VFW memorial team. They are looking for recruits. So, I will also send this to Misty so we can talk to our committee, veterans committee on that, but I said I would. And here we are. And you did. Yes. Well done. Miss Hamlin.

Uh yeah. I just wanted to real quick ask Mr. if you would comment on uh back on the meeting on January 12th, we talked about the city's insurance renewal with PEP and yeah, just following up to see if you've had any Yeah, you had you kind uh you had mentioned, you know, taking a look at kind of more take a deeper look at some of the line items. Can we combine some things? Can we figure out do we need to be uh ensuring everything that is quite frankly of no value? U and we did that. We took a a deep dive with uh PEP. Uh so we we essentially took our we took our uh annual uh cost down about $3,000. So yeah, we found some savings there.

Open doors. Nice. Thank you. Nobody would I didn't think you wanted to go. Any other Anyone else have anything? All right. Vice Mayor, I believe you have a motion to make

Yes. I would like to make a motion for executive session under Ohio Revised Code section 121.22 G2 to consider the sale of property and under Ohio Revised Code section 121.22 22G8 to consider confidential information related to the marketing plans, specific business strategy, production techniques, trade secrets, or personal financial statements of an applicant for economic development assistance under Ohio law, which is necessary to protect the interests of the applicant or the possible investment or expenditure of public funds to be made in connection with the economic development project that is related to a request for economic development assistance. and under Ohio Revised Code section 121.22G3 to conference with council related to pending litigation.

Second. Thank you. Is there a second? Second. Second. Call the role, please. Mayor Bailey. Yes. Vice Mayor Baitman. Yes. Mr. Goodyear. Yes. Miss Hamlin. Yes. Mr. Hart. Yes. Miss Hazelbaker. Yes. Mr. Janick. Yes. Carry seven to zero room.

Can we have a motion to adjurnn? Motion to adjurnn. Second. Call the roll, please. Vice Mayor Baitman. Yes. Mr. Goodyear. Yes. Hamlin. Yes. Mr. Hart. Yes. Baker. Yes. Mr. Janick. Yes. Mayor Bailey. Yes. Motion carries seven to zero.