City Council - Regular Meeting

Please join me for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One 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. Here. Miss Hazel Baker here. Janick here.

Welcome everyone. With us tonight we have our assistant city manager Chris Witch, clerk of council Misty Clark. Dave Kennedy city manager. city solicitor Joe Braonn, Chief of Police Michael Gabrielson, and former council members Neil Ory, Todd Osborne, Pat Maize, and Kip Ping. And with that, that's the next item on the agenda. Mr. Ping, meet me at the uh All right, I keep skipping things, so I'm checking Um, so I've known Kip for a while um in in other capacities. When he ran four years ago, I thought he was a a perfect addition to to city council with your thoughtful approach to things to to uh some of the issues that faced us. It was unique having a engineer's mind that sometimes when you had things to say, I wasn't always sure what you were talking about until you explain things a little better. But um I think you served this city certainly with with honor and honesty and distinction and it was my pleasure to uh serve alongside of you alongside you and get to know you in the capacity of a fellow council member. So I thank you for your for your time that you served. Anyone have uh anything else you would like to add? Hamlin.

Thank you. Um Kip, I did want to take an opportunity to speak on behalf of um from a different perspective, I guess, because obviously we didn't have a chance to work together, but I have had the vantage point of watching you from the audience. And I just wanted to know let you know that I appreciate your demeanor. I appreciate your presence and your probing questions for council. It clearly reflected your preparation and your care for this community. Um, for those who are not aware, Kip is a structural engineer and I didn't really know him when he first came to council. And so I asked around a couple of people and I got a comment from somebody who said he's the guy who saved the bishop building. And um so I just want to let you know that that that is no simple task and you not only saved a building but you saved a piece of loved ones history and so that is a legacy that you can be very proud of and the entire community owes you a debt of gratitude. So thank you.

Any other comments? Yes, Mr. Goodyear.

Well, Mr. Ping, I would just say that uh I really enjoyed the two years we had working together on city council. Um I think other people have already alluded this, but you provide leadership in a unique way. Um because you not only lead by example, but you lead with a silent strength and you speak when it's needed. Um and you let others speak uh in other circumstances. But the one thing I always knew is when you would speak about an issue, we would get a thoughtful, informative, and knowledgeable uh either question or statement. And I said this to you previously, but you've had a a large influence on me on how I handled uh the first two years here I've been on council. um the way that you approach things I I think is um totally appropriate and totally um meaningful and so I've tried to kind of emulate that and I think that I talk a lot more than you do but I try not to talk too much. Um, so anyway, I I just I I have such a such a high opinion of you, a great respect for you, and uh you and I have had a chance to talk through a lot of issues together on council together, and I just want to say I appreciate you, and I appre appreciate your service, and thank you for being a friend.

Mr. Bman, well, Mr. Pman,

thank you. I uh I really have enjoyed um serving with you over the last four years. Um, and to what Mr. uh, Goodyear and Miss Hamlin both mentioned, I think your your contributions have been so thoughtful and and your temperament and your your questions are always such uh, so unique and bringing a different perspective to the the table. And so that's that's really something that uh, we're going to miss. And so I'm hoping that in the future that you're going to leverage that experience in a different way and still provide that same even keel temperament and and um proposal for new ideas and different ways of thinking. Um, and and I believe, you know, in the time that I've been here and been interested in city politics and government, there's been a a handful of people that served and are no longer serving, but they still provide a wealth of knowledge uh to me and I'm sure to others. And so, I think that those contributions are are not gone. Uh, they're they're just uh to be found elsewhere. Um but on a personal note, I think over the last couple of years, it's been great to get to know you um as a person, not just as a colleague. And I think I've really enjoyed your uh your personality coming through beyond that even killed mind of an engineer. And so um that's what I'm um sorry to not be able to have in my uh in my monthly cadence of uh opportunities to connect with uh Kip Ping. So, I'm going to miss that and I hope we get an opportunity to to continue uh those conversations uh in the future in a different way. So, thank you for your service and really thank you for everything you've done for the for the community.

Mr. Hart,

um I had the opportunity to to run Mr. Ping on two occasions and and that work that goes into that is is a is a tremendous undertaking. And uh as we went door to door the first time around Kip was one of the first people who ever pressed me on issues and then made me argue a point um where we were we were not aligned. We didn't agree. We didn't see things eye to eye. Um and it was my real because I you know had didn't know Kip before that first that first uh campaign and um his perspective was so different from mine but also uh his ability to step back and and listen to my perspective taught me how to listen to his perspective if that makes sense. um because it was so different and and that helped me grow a tremendous amount back at that time. And uh I I don't know that I would have u I would be where I'm at now just personally uh and professionally um if somebody like Kip was not around to to push me in into a different direction and push me on some things that I and push me to think in ways I'd never thought before. Um, so I I don't know that I don't know that I can adequately express my gratitude um in this in this in this moment, but I'm I'm tremendously grateful for having worked with you um and worked around you for the past four years. And uh your service to the city has has been exemplary over the last four years. And the one thing that Kip has said a number of times is he always wanted he he wanted to serve because he felt like he had something to give. I want to leave in no uncertain terms that um you have something to give this city.

You you have a tremendous talent and uh I for the work that needs to go on here. So thank you so much for what you've done and thank you for your friendship. Any further comments, Mr. Chairman? Uh Mr. Ping, I want to thank you for everything uh your leadership through uh this election was meant everything to me. I not only learning from you and being you you're my mentor through this. So I appreciate that and I made a friend. So I I really appreciate uh everything for the past everything you've done for the city of Lovelin. Uh and we appreciate it. Thank you. Good. any further. Yes,

you have to.

I was planning to anyway. Um, no, I mean, I I have a story of just when I was a, you know, resident sitting outside and um, you had made one of your, as everybody said, a comment um, and a question um, you know, for Dave and um, I followed up and I said, "Man, thank you for asking that question. I was really kind of wanting to know, you know, kind of that, you know, similar kind of mentality." and you responded back and you were like, "Man, never anybody sends anything positive." Thank you. And I um so I just appreciate that. Um and appreciate um you know, I was looking forward to kind of serving with you. Again, as as you said, there were so many great people um in this election. So, just thank you for time and even before we talked, I hope that you continue to give your talents to Love One. Thank you.

Thank you. Your turn.

You're going to want to sit down. you're going to want to sit right there. So, yeah. Um, I I tried to pair this down. I I'll be honest. Um, when uh when this first came up, I thought, um, yes, I definitely want to come back. Not not because I wanted to hear all all the kind things that you guys said, and I I truly do appreciate that, but because I wanted to share my perspective. Um, you're about to learn why they don't let me talk much when I was on council. So, um, you know, I I was thinking about back on my life and kind of how how things happen. And, um, after the election, I'll be honest, um, there was a little bit of, um, melancholy, there's a little bit of anger, there was a little bit of different things for different people and different stuff. And um I I was reminded of uh my my favorite president is Abraham Lincoln. I was reminded of a comment that he made one time when asked about the election results in New York. He said, "I feel somewhat like a boy in Kentucky who stubbed his toe while running to see a sweetheart." The boy said he was too big to cry and it hurt too bad not to. So I thought that kind of sums it up right there. um you know that when I was a little kid and I would be unhappy um my mother would say this little kind of thing in a sing song sort of voice when I was pouting and I had my arms crossed and my lips stuck out and she'd say rooster rooster come sit on Kip's lip and I have no idea what that means but it always made me feel better um and so you know that that helped and then sometimes sometimes time she would do this. You should know what this is. It's the

world's smallest violin playing the world's saddest tune just for you. And so that was helpful. Um there was a poem that she would recite. It's the earliest poem I remember uh hearing and memorizing. It's of the saddest words of tongue or pen. These are them. Oh, what might have been. So all of those things early in my childhood. It makes my mother sound bad, I just realized, but she was a good woman. She's very sweet. Um, she wasn't giving me a hard time. She was reminding me that things are not always as big as you think they are. Um, many of you know that I I am an elder in the church where I attend up uh up West Lovelin. And the Apostle Paul when he wrote to the church at Philippi said, "I have learned in all things to be content." This was a man that was shipwrecked. He was beaten. He was flogged. He was um tormented in many ways and yet he said, "I have learned to be content." My favorite Christmas movie is a sappy one. Um it's it's a wonderful life. Uh I I love that movie and I like it because it reminds us that if we think on the right things, it makes life a better place. It makes it good for all of us. We can recognize that even when the bad things happen to us, there's good in everything. And so our attitudes decide a lot of what is about. So what I want to do is uh spend the rest of my time. Thank you for not starting the clock by the way. Um I want to start spend the rest of my time saying some thank yous. Um to my wife who makes me look like an extrovert. I want to thank her for supporting me. Uh she's home with the grandkids and so she didn't come with me tonight. That's her excuse at least. um for being willing to travel this road with me because it is it is something that um she she kind of was dragged along a little bit and I appreciate her doing that. I appreciate her making all

the cookies so all the other kids would like me. That was nice. Um to all the residents, um I I have a lot of new friends, some of whom are here tonight. I appreciate uh seeing you guys. I know you you came for other reasons, but it's nice to see you anyway. Um, you know, I I think that the time that I had opportunity to represent everyone, um, there were times when I had opportunities to listen to residents and get different perspectives. Um, two months in, I remember sitting here with Sharon for and her husband for about probably an hour and a half, I think it was, that we sat and talked about the issues of the day. And that was the beginning of many opportunities to meet people in their homes, to to meet people on the street, to meet people here, um, and to hear what people had to say. And it was, uh, it was always a pleasure to have those opportunities. And so I I, you know, thank you to the community certainly. Um, there were all kinds of ribbon cutings, firetruck pushes, building dedications, Valentine lady uh, celebrations, Loveland U, fire and police dinners, lunches, meetings, kanas proclamations, kids fests in the park. uh Warren County Municipal League meetings, um the Little Miami uh Chamber of Commerce meetings, parades, uh volunteer opportunities, um that's a blank page. That's not any good. Um all kinds of of opportunities and you know, I I I just really enjoyed every minute of that and I I want to thank the community for those opportunities. Um Lyn Zuk texted me. She wasn't able to be here. She wanted to be here tonight. my fellow U Seinfeld fan and uh fellow introvert. Um I certainly appreciated her time on the the campaign trail for listening to my ramblings every Saturday and um making campaigning a little bit more fun. Um Chief Gabrielson, um you have uh you always know a good

place to eat. That's that's certainly a good thing. Um you uh you lead a group of really great officers and uh it's it's been fun working with you. Um, leadership comes in in many different ways. And I remember when you first started, I was I was coming through in the Fourth of July parade and it was just a mad house downtown and the crowd was pressing in and there you were right in the middle of all of it trying to keep control of things. And I thought, you know, that's a leader um on a holiday being here and being part of that. Um, and you certainly have um have exemplified that. you know, the the thing that you guys do um risking your lives every day for the rest of us. That certainly is appreciated and um appreciate all that you guys uh do for for our city. Uh a lot of people say, you know, there's too many police, the city's already safe. They don't get it, do they? Uh the police are what makes the places safe. uh for uh for for Chief Huber. Um you know obviously we I I spoke about him uh when we dedicated the building and uh he is also such a community servant and uh a man who has left his mark on the uh town and uh one of the very first people who gave me advice when I became a council person and so I certainly appreciate that. Um Mr. LeBron, talented attorney, um, you know, for helping us navigate a lot of complexities, balancing law and politics and community interests and city interests and all sorts of things. Um, you've always been a very uh, good advisor and counselor on all those things. Um, every time I called you or texted, you answered all of my questions, even though some of them probably were silly. U, and I always appreciated that. Um the quiet jokester who's not here tonight, Mr. Medler, um you know, having his steady hand on the

financial tiller, uh made things so much easier for all of us that were on council because we knew that he was doing such a good job and uh one that's probably underappreciated. Um he may not risk his life as as our first responders do, but as a tax man, he probably does in some ways. So, you know, um we his good hand on that keeps us out of those troubles. Um, Mr. Wein, who uh I still can't spell your name, but I know how to say it. Um, my fellow engineer up up there. Um, I I appreciate all of your effort. Uh, you dug in on hard tasks from the day that you started. uh the PAS uh issues and others that are uh obviously controversial and require uh a a a delicate touch and you have done that well and uh I appreciate all that you've done. Uh I appreciate you listening to my ideas even though many times it turned out you had already thought of what I was talking about and so I appreciate that. Misty Prince, my I couldn't think of what to call you. I wanted to say sidekick because you sat beside me, but that seemed like it was too condescending or something. I don't know. So, I don't know what you are, but I appreciate you. Um, you you have a creativity that is amazing to me. Um, engineers are not known for their creativity, so maybe that's that's not a high bar, but I think you you blow it away anyway. Um, you apply all of that, you know, the the gifts, ideas that you come up with for the the events that we have, the events that we have and all that you do. Um, you know, in in personal struggles, you have been strong in a way that that is incredible. Um, for what you do for counsel, sometimes hurting cats, um, you guys all need to read her emails closer and respond to her questions and not

what you want to say. um and for sitting through all of these meetings and then sitting through them again to make the minutes. I think you should be applauded just for that. Um so yes, just getting warmed up. Just getting warmed up. I called all these people to go yet. Um so um thank you. Thank you for all you do and for your friendship. It's it's meant a lot to me. Um, Dedra Hazelbaker, opponent number one, we'll call you. Um, you have a passion for the city and a zeal for the city. That is obvious in all that you do. Um, I know that you have a desire to make this city a better place and I think that's fantastic. Um, we had this city had the luxury of having eight good people who all want to be dedicated servants to serve the city and uh I thank you for for running and and uh I wish you the best in all of your efforts. Um Sher Hamlin, opponent number two. Um, thank you for sort of supporting me four years ago, first of all. Um, you know, when you uh when when I first ran. Um, I really wish you would have like thrown a little bit more support my way this time because two less votes for you and two for me would have made a three-way tie. And I think that would have been fantastic to see how that came out. So, um, just to see how it resolved itself would have been interesting. Um you you have also shown a commit to the city where you were raised. Uh I listened when when we were u during the campaign I listened to the podcast that uh that you did with Mike and um you know that your your story is a compelling one and certainly

you're a strong person and I hope that you will bring um all of that and your your historical experience with the city to to your position on council and I wish you luck with that. Thank you

Mr. Jerick. Um, son number one, as we'll call you. Um, Marine Man about town. Um, there's different things that I could say about you, but, um, you've done so much for the city on committees and things before you ever arrived here. Um, the passion and zeal that you have for this city as well is is remarkable, and uh, I've always been encouraged by your your attitude and and everything that you have done. Um, I think it's good that you two are far apart because the critical mass of Dedra and Adam might be too much for everybody. Um, thanks for making the the last few months entertaining and fun and appreciate your time on the campaign trail. Mr. Goodyear, my political analyst friend. Um, thanks for thanks for what you do as a prosecutor. you know, I I in talking to you and hearing what you do, I I always am amazed that uh people like you do what you do so cavalerely. Um it's it's something that, you know, trying murder cases is not something I think I could do and and I appreciate you doing that. Um I appreciate your interest in always doing the right thing that that you always are looking for the right thing, not just the easy thing or whatever, but the right thing. And I appreciate your willingness to say hard things when necessary. Um, confrontation is not my strong suit and um, and you were always uh, you always had a a kind way of delivering some of those harsh remarks and I appreciate the fact that that you did that. Mr. Hart, son number two. Um, during our first campaign, Mr. Hart pointed out that I wasn't enough to be his father or something like that. And so we've joked about that ever since. And um you know I I made friends with John on the campaign trail and um you know it was a it was a

special time. It was an enjoyable time both times. Uh we had a lot a lot to share and a lot of fun and it was it was certainly pleasant every step of the way. Um, you know, John as a as an administrator at the school and as a teacher before that, um, when you w if you walked with him through the streets of Loveland, what you would find when you meet people is all these little kids running around, Mr. Hart, Mr. Hart, Mr. Hart. Um, you know, that doesn't come unless you're doing a good job. And so, I appreciate what you do for the the school assist schools outside of your your role here. Um, and I appreciate the insights. Uh, I I found your comments tonight uh interesting simply because they're what I was going to I I guess I'm reciprocating. Uh, your insights always left me thinking about things from a different angle. Uh, I think that was a good thing for both of us and I appreciate that. Vice Mayor uh Baitman uh the chameleon as I like to call him for your thoughtful wellspoken comments um during council meetings as well as outside of council meetings. Um you a lot of times would would raise your hand. Um the mayor always called on you first for some reason, not me, but anyway. um she would call on you and you would speak and you would talk and say your piece and I would think I wish I would have thought of that or I would the other thing I would think is well I guess I won't be able to say that because he already covered it and so I appreciate uh the fact that that you had such thoughtful comments that showed how well prepared you were coming into the meetings. Um, I also appreciate all of the kind words and considerate things that you said uh out of public earshot when we were out separate and part by

ourselves. And um I know those things come without ulterior motives and that makes them more special. Mr. Kennedy, city manager extraordinaire. Um thank you for the tireless hours that you spend with this city. Um, one of the most surprising things to me when I first came on council was how it did not matter when I sent you something, you would always respond. And I got so I started leaving myself reminders because I thought I'm going to this man is never going to sleep if I keep texting him. So, um, I I appreciate all that you do for the city. U, you are certainly um devoted to a level that is going to be very difficult for the next person that follows you. um the deep care you have for this community and the individual people in it is um I I just don't think it could be surpassed. I I've seen you talk to people on the streets. I've seen you respond to to requests. Um, I when when I sent you an email about the fellow that had the problem with the rooster, uh, it was immediate your reaction to that and I know that he was he felt heard that that we took care of his problem. And, um, I I appreciate the fact that no matter what I asked of you, you always, uh, were there for me in that regard. And, um, I also want to thank you for never tiring of commenting on how straight the lines are in my yard. That was nice, too. The Honorable Kathy Bailey, the spelt gazelle of the Loveland Prairie, as I one time called her in in a text message. You don't remember that. See, that hurts. But okay, you um you are an amazing person. Uh and this community is blessed to have you as mayor. you have dedicated yourself to this city

as well. Um, those that have served with you know more than anyone else what what a dedicated servant you are. I'm I truly marvel at the number of people that you know in this city and I I don't say that as an exaggeration. Uh whenever we are walking around um town it it I you seem to know everybody and I keep thinking there's 13,000 people here. How can you know them all? But you try and and that's uh to be commended. When I went to place signs for this campaign, I've known uh a couple over on West Lovelin now for 30ome years. They were parents of one of my daughter's friends. And I went to go play signs and they already had the signs up because they said, "Well, Kathy asked us, too." And I'm like, "How do you know Kathy?" I mean, how is that even possible? Um, I think that that's a fantastic thing. Um, that you care that much about the community that you serve. You're strong willed and determined. Uh, yes, that's probably an understatement at some at times. Um, but I also know that you're caring and kind and I've seen that side of you, too. Um, I thank you for all that you've done for the city and all you continue to do. more personally um without you I would not have had this opportunity. You believed in me. You pushed me uh to run for this office. You supported me every step of the way. You gave me advice. Uh you helped me understand the role better. Um I I could not have done this without you. That certainly is is true. And um when I found out that I was or when the the community found out that I was running four years ago, there were some local bloggers and podcasters who took the air to uh to kind of be negative and they they said, "Well, I was Kathy Bailey's minion was was one of

the comments. A bubble-headed yes man, a lap dog with a leash and a collar." Um but um you know, we we know the truth. It was more of a choker chain, not a Gota keep it light, Kathy. Got to keep it light. We have discussed many things over the years. Uh some of those things we we disagreed on, but most things we agreed on and um and I think that um I I will certainly miss those opportunities to to share with you ideas about council and so forth while being on council. I I know that we're I know that this is not the end, but certainly it has a different feel to it. Um I think we both benefited from those conversations. I know I certainly did. And so I'm thankful to have come to know you and I'm thankful to call you my friend. As I just said, uh without you, I couldn't have done this. So I suppose all this melancholy and upsetness could have been avoided if you would have just left me alone. But um nonetheless, I I hope that the things I've said here tonight, I've tried to tried to keep it light because the last thing I want to do is stand up here and sob. But um I hope the things I've said tonight, you you guys truly understand that I mean them from the bottom of my heart. Uh I have been truly blessed to to have been a part of this even for a little while. So in closing, I've got my checklist here. um airing of the grievances, a poem, a Seinfeld reference, a witty quote, some thank yous, and so all that remains is one more thing. And I have some gifts to hand out. So,

gift at some point.

I'm almost done. I told you. So, I I like gifts that that kind of have a little deeper meaning to them. And so, I I I um I live in the old Carl Brown house. It's the house Carl Brown built uh when he was living in in Loveland. And uh there's a tree out back uh down the hill a little bit, a walnut that fell down a few years ago that probably I think I I guess it was about 80 years old, so older than anybody here. Um, I harvested that tree and I made some Christmas ornaments and I I the only thing I messed up on is I didn't allow enough time because I was going to make a lot more of them and have them for a lot of people. So, you have to wait if you don't get one tonight. I have seven. So, imagine that I have one for everybody on council. And I I want to hand these out to you. Would you mind handing them out for me? Take one for yourself and give one to the council members. Um, it each one is a snowflake. It's made from a piece of walnut from this tree. So, it's like a little piece of Loveland with a little piece of me for my time invested. And the thing that I want you to notice is a snowflake only comes with heavy snow. And so, I put a little salt in there for you as well. And so, I think I think that closes I I've now covered everything on my list. Um, thank you all. Seriously, thank you all for uh for all that you do for the city. uh for the service and support that you you give to it and um most importantly thank you for being part of my wonderful life. Appreciate it. Thank you. We do have a few things for you.

the plaque. I'll take the picture

and you didn't want anything. So, we got you something anyway. Just a picture of the council. We all have something little something to say. Not as much as you had to say. Nobody does. A little something. Thank you. Thank you very much for your exemplary service. We'll miss you. But but you're not forgotten. You'll still be around. I'll still be around. You want me to hold that while you uh shake hands? There you go.

Thank you, sir. Thank you. All right. Thank you, Mr. Ping. Appreciate you coming back tonight. It's time for you to go.

All right. Open forum. Jim Dmire.

It's a hard act. Uh Jim Dmire, 452 Pentail Drive. Um just wanted to talk tonight. I got to talk at a meeting uh a couple meetings ago. I missed the last one. Um just kind of wanted to talk about POS a little more. um cuz uh at the end of the meeting um uh there were some comments that you know was followup for my comments and I felt that was that was great and a step forward and I want to keep that dialogue moving. Um and uh I just you know want to start off with I didn't I spoke purposely after the election um so I didn't want to be conceived that it was a political thing. I could have talked about it months before. Um, but while I was out on the campaign trail, uh, we talked about POS and water and and this came up. Um, and um, and I never never said that council was negligent and I don't think that um, it just popped up in someone's comments. Um, and then uh, just want to say so Mr. Baitman did a great job explaining the timeline that uh council was under with the POS um and the shifting sands that the EPA was delivering to you and having a challenge to to work through that. Um and and um so my comment was um our timeline out here started in uh November 21st, 2023, which was when the first article in Cincinnati.com came out about POS in our water. So that's when we became aware that we have a problem with our water supply and um coincidentally it just happened to be after the last election so that it would make sense that it would you know show up in this cycle. Um and this was 4 years after we found out that there was an email um with the um from the EPA telling us uh telling

council how to pro you know proceed. Um and then Mr. heart brought up the cost of the water um to to turn on from Cincinnati Waterworks and um I thought that was really helpful information. I had not heard this discussed before. I didn't know that there was um how much money that would cost. Um but that's kind of my point is that we we we haven't discussed this out here, you know, in the public. So, we were unaware of of how things are. Um uh but I wanted, you know, cautious. we should be careful about talking um putting a dollar amount um on our health. You know, if we talk about three point or 1.3 million um is too expensive to get clean water, but we're prioritizing um the lovely Madiraa corridor. Um I think we should prioritize our drinking water. Um and then uh Mayor Bailey was talking about all the hard work you put in on the website and the quarterly mail order alert that came out in October. um and talking about the lawsuit win and um and I can see that there's work getting done um no one said that you weren't hard workers um on this subject. Um uh the mailer you mentioned um just was talking about a deadline uh or sorry talked you mentioned about meeting a deadline or you were on track uh but we never mentioned the deadline or when we want to get that in and I think that would be helpful to know if there was a deadline um not from the EPA but for council to approve um the new filtration system and you know do we have a hard number when we want to get that done. Um, and then we talked about um the water bills and how the information's on there and it hasn't been on there recently, but it did get on this last one and I'm thankful for that uh for that information to get there. Um, and then um some have just um expressed

keeping our water supply um to ourselves as a way to protect our home rule as if we were to give up our water um it would we'd lose leverages um elsewhere. And uh I can see the validity in that. But my other point would be um if our water isn't good water, then we kind of lose our leverage on, you know, having home rule. Um if you know, if it's not the best water. Um and so then the other point would be, you know, if our water isn't that awesome, sometimes when the when the buyer and the seller know that the they have an inferior product, sometimes the um seller knocks a little um money off the top of the price. So, it's a little more affordable. So, maybe discounted rates for water. Uh we could start affording to get um water filtration. Uh a whole home water filtration system costs uh at least $3,000. And I know that uh not every resident can pull that can make that um happen. So, it's quite expensive. Um anyway, um so my hope is that um the city could start doing a better job broadcasting um all the issues that we have to deal with POS. um instead of just the minimum uh communication, I'd love it if we could um um be the best council that we can and providing the best city that we can with the best water. Thank you.

Thank you. Next item is review and approval of the minutes from the November 25th, 2025 city council meeting. Are there any changes or addition to those minutes? Move to approve as written. Second. Call the role, please. Vice Mayor Baitman, yes. Mr. Goodyear, yes. Miss Hamlin, I will abstain since I wasn't on council at that time. Mr. Hart, yes. Miss Hazel Baker, abstain because I wasn't on council. Mr. Darnick, I will abstain because I was not on council. Mayor Bailey,

yes. Motion carries seven to zero. All right. Next is the second reading of an ordinance. Um, is there any further or new discussion on that ordinance? Want to go ahead and read the ordinance, please? Ordinance to make appropriations for current expenses and other expenditures of the city of Loveland, state of Ohio during the fiscal year ending December 31st, 2026. Thank you. Call the RO, please. Mr. Goodyear? Yes. Miss Hamlin? Yes. Mr. Hart? Yes. Miss Hazel Baker, yes. Mr. Jerick, yes. Mayor Bailey, yes. Vice Mayor Baitman,

yes. Ordinance 104 is adopted by a vote of 7 to zero. All right. And we have the ordinance approving the reduction of a speed limit. Is there any further discussion on that ordinance? Mr. Bman, I just want to say I'm in full support of this uh as we've been continuing to find opportunities to reduce the speed limit and so I look forward to uh finding more opportunities where we can continue to do that. I might be unpopular for the drivers, but I'm in favor of uh slower going on the road. So, thank you for this. Any other discussion? Read the ordinance, please. John was You can't see me passing Joe. Oh, Mr. Hart.

I had two two quick comments. One, I want to um uh give kudos to staff for working with another municipality to make sure this happened. And then I also want to check in with Mayor Bailey to make sure you've made adequate changes in your commute time. I know to account for this. I'll plan ahead. I'm in support of this. Any other comments? Maybe wave your hand more forcefully. We'll get it worked out. Okay. I can read the ordinance. Ordinance approving the reduction of speed limit on a portion of State Route 48 Oakland Road from 45 mph to 35 miles per hour within the city of Lovelin Corporation limits. Call the roll, please. Miss Hamlin, yes. Mr. Hart, yes. Miss Hazel Baker, yes.

Mr. Janick, yes. Mayor Bailey, yes. Vice Mayor Baitman, yes. Mr. Goodyear, yes. Ordinance 105 is adopted by vot. Mr. Canon.

Um the legislation uh this memo accompanies a uh legislation that would authorize the submission of a fiscal year 2027 uh 2028 uh capital budget uh application. Uh um I guess when you think about city parks uh I when you do the math it's pretty impressive. The the city actually owns and maintains 200 acres of parks but and nature preserves when you factor in um the tremendous amount of land throughout various subdivisions in the city uh up in the heights. Uh there's land that the city owns up in Brandy Wine White Pillars and so on and so forth. And then couple that with the uh the soon to be 200 acres of dedicated uh the space that will be between Cardinal and Grail. It's a pretty impressive amount. And I know that uh I know that uh um Nisbet gets sort of front billing with a lot of the park improvements, but we we sort of went through some of the projects that have been done over the last year and city has invested pretty heavily in Philips McCoy, Lever, Kuanas, Navajo, and Cherokee. And um one of the uh items that uh the city does, I think all it staff does a very good job of is trying to capitalize on various funding applications, keeping our finger on the applications and funding that's out there. And we are a little unique because uh we get to apply uh through capital budgets, which is every two years. Uh typically now it's through the port authority. In the old days, that's not how it work, but typically now uh everyone's competing against everyone, the various counties. So, uh, at some point in time about this time of the year, the city will get notified by, uh, Hamilton County Board and Claremont County Board. Uh, we do not typically apply and warrant. We do not have any parks. We don't, uh, don't, you know, have any land up in there. And what they're asking you is, uh, you got anything you'd be interested in putting in the capital budget? And the city does typically submit something for Claremont

and something for Hamilton, uh, county. And um and one of the things you learn and we learned from doing those is the kind of projects that they like to fund. Uh the things that they're not going to fund. They're not going to fund um a new sewer main or water man. Those are user fees. They like economic development projects and they like park projects. And um that was uh sort of what we have always focused on. It is funny how these things get started. Back in April, the mayor and I received an email from a resident. It was just was concerned and felt that uh the place that in Nisbbit needed an upgrade um needed a a refresher and as uh as the mayor would often do is something we could look into and we she found actually good model in MadiRaa that we use as a guide. Uh so the way that works we went to MadiRaa, we looked at the play set, we then contacted the city, who did you use? We reached out to that engineer. uh that consulting firm that really specializes it. And throughout the summer, the mayor and Chris and I have been sort of working on how do we come up with some signature pieces, but front and center, what we wanted to do was we wanted to bring in the turf. Now, the turf is more than just that's pretty. Uh the turf uh not only is it uh uh more functional and allows uh but it is it does increase the accessibility. Uh handicapped accessibility is a big part of this project. Replacing all the mulch with the uh the um with the turf would be a significant step in that right d in the direction. Um the the plan that we have come up with working with the Kleers group is an expansion of the footprint of the existing park. Uh removing of all the uh adding one extreme signature piece um expanding the age limit. um that I've heard that I don't have email, but I do know that there's some limitations in

the age group that can uh utilize Nis Park playset uh and um uh expanding it and replace the border and keep all of the current items. Uh then the thought was and I know this was Mayor Barley's thought was when Nisbbit is done which my estimation would be by the end of 2027 almost all facets of the Nisbet Park master plan will be completed at that point in time it would make sense that the uh place that would mirror and match the other portions of it. Um as I mentioned we submitted an application for Philips Park. Everybody's a little different uh in Hamilton County. Hamilton County did not require a a legislation. Um, Claremont County uh prefers one and that is uh why we're here. If anybody has any questions.

There any questions? Um, I know that this uh I mean obviously Nisbet Park is in the middle of the historic district and I'm wondering if there are plans to take this through to the historic preservation and planning commission and when would that be appropriate to do if that's the case and is it appropriate to do it before this gets submitted or during after? Um, I mean, I'll be honest with you, I don't know if this would fall under the parameters of uh of a historic preservation review. Um, one of the items we were trying to do here is uh this particular type of equipment, the compment comp pin is the the finest equipment that they have out there and it makes it's a good investment. We have had lower grade equipment. Um, uh, I don't know if this actually falls within it's not a it's it's it's not a habit habitable structure. Um, I don't I don't know that it meets the if it meets the requirements of the historic district. Um the the I think this is one of those items where we've tried to come up with the pieces of equipment that we felt that would be one signature that would expand the age limit that would be the highest quality that's out there. Um there are different colors in the items. Um you know there's certain colors that can be changed up. Uh these are references uh we can I mean there are colors that we can change. I don't know that I would want to change the style that we're we're going with because these are the a lot of thought went into picking the pieces that um that expand the age group. Um I don't know that the colors you see

here today are actually the colors we would go with. These are just references that I found based upon that. The turf uh is um will probably be just straight up green. They do come with designs. That is an option that the city could do is uh we're not really there yet when we sort of expand the cost a little bit so we can fit what we want in that project. Um, but I don't know that this actually falls within the the within the the uh the boundaries of the design guidelines is what I'm trying to say. So, thank you. That was a long way to get there. Sorry about that.

You're fine. Any other comments or questions, Mr. B? Vice Mayor, thank you. I would uh uh just ask um since this is uh just just so I understand this would be um if we were to receive uh this grant, what would then be the process for procurement of this equipment? Would it go through just another a secondary uh appearance before council where we would essentially authorize the this the actual details and the actual um parameters of each of the playground sets?

Yeah. Yeah. Um, we've already submitted our request to for um for Phillips Park. Um, uh, in Hamilton County, I I I then take a little trip downtown and they run us through like cattle. Everyone has five minutes to explain their project. Um, in Claremont County, they're waiting for more direction. We actually have a little bit of time to get the application submitted, but we anticipate uh Chris and I anticipate we'll get this submitted probably before Christmas following this legislation. We've got our two supporters. Uh Little Miami Conservancy has is supporting the project and so is the friends of Little Miami State Park. They're the people that actually manage and maintain the uh the bike trail. They have both submitted us letters. That is a big deal. Nothing against our downtown businesses who often support our grant applications. With this, they want those sort of nonprofits to sort of step forward. We have those letters and with that, we are ready to submit. Um, I don't think we will hear about anything from this until probably January or February. That would likely come with a call from the Port Authority that might say, "A, you've been funded in full. B, would you consider taking less of which maybe we would pull a piece out, or C, uh, sorry, you're not going to be funded." Initially, the thought was the 900,000 we got from this fund for the parking lot was sort of bought us in time. and Chris and I went to Betavia and spoke to them about our thoughts on this project and the thought was that we've sort of we've we've that was in 2019 so that uh we've sort of waited long enough.

Okay. Thanks. Yes, Mr. Hazel Baker. Dave, thanks for um talking about the letters of support because I really appreciate kind of you know kind of where the idea comes from the residents you mentioned um the the support of Low Miami Conservancy in the Miami State Park. um appreciate kind of the thoughtfulness of the turf going to ADA accessibility. Um could you um also talk through kind of um as as we submit this budget and I think you talked it was 2728 when um kind of our portion uh um of match and kind of what that looks like um would hit kind of the budget and kind of how that's planned out.

It says fiscal year 2728. It depends on the budget. We all saw how long it took for the budget to be passed at the federal level. It can be or is honorous with the state. I would anticipate that we may get notified that we're funded, allow us to begin this very detailed order process and see construction begin in early in the spring of 27, which means the city's local match would be included in the 27 budget as part of the CIP uh our CIP. That is most likely.

Right. Any other questions or comments? All right. Want to go ahead and read the resolution, please. Resolution authorizing submission of a fiscal year 2027-28 Claremont County Capital Bill Community Project and commitment of local match for the Nesbet Park Placeet upgrade project. Thank you. Call the role, please. Mr. Hart, yes. Mr. Hazel Baker, yes. Mr. Jick, yes. Yes. Mayor Bailey, yes. Vice Mayor Baitman, yes. Mr. Goodyear, yes. Miss Hamlet, yes. Resolution 106 is adopted by a vote of seven to zero. Thank you, Chief.

Thank you, Mayor. Uh, Mr. Kenny and I have submitted a memo with additional details that accompany this resolution that, if adopted by council, would authorize the purchase of two new police vehicles delivered in fiscal year 2026. Uh, city council has approved fiscal year 2026 appropriations associated with our operating and capital improvement budget. Uh, that capital improvement program includes funding for the purchase of two new police cruisers identified as Ford Explorer interceptors. Love police department maintains 11 marked vehicles. We task a lieutenant as the fleet manager. uh his diligence in uh monitoring uh repair costs, replacement of parts, uh keeping them in service, reliability, the age. Uh he recommends a replacement schedule. Uh we've been able to actually delay because of uh the the maintenance that we provide and the care that we take of those vehicles. Uh we've actually been able to defer a few times uh where we haven't had to come to council and request new vehicles. Um, and even when we do, the vehicles that we do end up replacing, they actually uh still maintain service within the police department. We actually uh decommission them and use them as support vehicles. And uh actually the last couple of times because again we of the care that we take of those vehicles, we've actually passed on uh one and soon to be two cars to public works for their use. Um the Ford interceptor is widely sought by police departments around the country. Um how this works is uh they um there is a state bid or state purchasing program that locks in pricing. Um and then the manufacturer sets an open ordering window. Traditionally I would come to you during the 2026 fiscal year to actually make this purchase. But they have opened up the open ordering window now and we would like to get our order in at this point because once all of the

allocated number of vehicles have been reserved uh and the opening the window has been closed, we would have to defer purchasing till the 2027 model year. So we are here requesting it uh before fiscal year 2026 in order to take advantage of the open window. Total cost requested is $49,10 per vehicle uh for a combined total of $98,020. Again, this is under the state uh purchasing program. Under this program, the city is not required to solicit competitive bids. Uh city council can obviously approve to uh approve or deny the resolution as recommended by staff. Uh the 2026 CIP presented to city council allocates a total of 110,000 for the vehicles which is obviously in excess of the $98,20 purchase price, but we build in remaining funds applied to the outfitting of the vehicles. We attempt to you reuse as much equipment as we can, but there's always equipment that either doesn't fit the new models or it's just needs to be replaced itself. So, the recommendation of staff is for council to approve the proposed legislation to allow the city manager to enter into the contract to order uh two new police cruisers for delivery in 2026. And I'll be glad to answer any questions.

Are there any questions, Mr. Hart? Uh just a quick thank you to the chief and your staff for uh taking such great care of your equipment and allowing us over the last couple years to kick this can down the road a little bit because you um keep our stuff in such great shape. So thank you for your work. Certainly. Any comments? All right. Go ahead and read the resolution, please. Resolution authorizing the city manager to execute an agreement with Beachmont Board for the purchase of new police cruisers. Call the role, please. Miss Hazel Baker. Yes. Mr. Jarnick. Yes. Mayor Bailey. Yes, Vice Mayor Baitman. Yes, Mr. Goodyear. Yes, Miss Hamlin. Yes, Mr. Hart. Yes.

Resolution 107 is adopted by a vote of 7 to zero. Miss Clark.

Every two to three years, the city solicits bids for janitorial services. We conducted that process this year and five companies submitted bids. Each department was able to meet with the the services or the uh vendor when they came in to tour the building and uh do their measurements. And then we all sat and reviewed their proposals. After evaluating both the cost and the scope of services offered, staff recommends that we contract with Image Cleaning Systems. They also clean for the city of Montgomery and Miami Township and receive glowing recommendations for both. Their price is good for both 2026 and 2027. Um, I'll note that on the resolution I put a red line at your desk because the amount that I listed there did not include um, well, it did include the $350 initial cleaning fee which they later waved.

All right. Any comments or questions? Mr. Hart, sorry, just just so I'm clear. Um, is prices good for two years, but does this lock us in for two years? No, the ordinance is just for 26. Thank you. Any other questions? Yes. Um, no, I just appreciate the kind of um care put into getting the companion um bids and the five bids and then working. I love the collaboration with the other um municipalities to kind of um get the recommendation. So, I just appreciate that time. All right. Anyone else? You want to go ahead and read the resolution, please? Resolution authorizing the city manager to enter into a contract with image cleaning janitorial services. Call the role, please. Mr. Janet, yes. Mayor Bailey, yes. Vice Mayor Baitman. Yes. Mr. Goodyear?

Yes. Samlin? Yes. Mr. Hart? Yes. Hazel Baker? Yes. Too many. Sorry about that. We're all resolution 108 is adopted by vote of seven to zero. Um, Mr. Witch, you got this?

Yes. Thank you, mayor. Um, every year uh towards the end of the the fiscal year, there's some cleanup uh typically that needs to be done with our fund balances. Um, and this is a uh supplemental appropriation that's being brought in front of council. Um, essentially we have across all the funds uh total appropriation adjustment of $134,500. um in in your packet you see or specifically in the ordinance it calls out the individual funds that are receiving those um altered appropriations. Um and per section 3.03 of our city's charter um or ordinances providing for the appropriation of current expenses for the city shall become effective immediately. So essentially this only requires one reading. Um but if there's any questions I can take them.

Any questions? Um, all right. And because this is we vote on this, right? It only requires one reading. Okay. Go ahead and read the ordinance, please. Ordinance to make revisions to appropriations for expenditures for the city of the state of Ohio during the fiscal year ending December 31st, 2005. 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. Ordinance 109 is adopted by vot 7. All right, Mr. Witch.

Thank you, Mayor. Um, this is a report in a transmitt from planning and zoning that you're receiving. Um, if you recall on November 12th, 2025, city council adopted resolution 2025-91, which was adopting the concept plan, development guidelines, and written written findings of fact for SPD number 20, also referred to as the Highlands of Loveland. Um on December 2nd, 2025, uh planning and zoning held a public hearing for the proposed zoning and text map amendment. This is essentially the next step in that process. And as part of their transmitt that's been uh given to you, they've recommended approval of that proposed zoning map and tax amendment. And with that, um, they're requesting or we are requesting you set a, uh, public hearing to al to have it heard here at council for January 13th, uh, 2026 at 7 p.m. Um, so all you're all we're requesting today is a motion to set that public hearing.

All right. Thank you. Any questions or comments? Someone care to make the motion? I'll make a motion that we set up for Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at or about 7 PM pursuant to both section 1151.09 and section 1151.02 B2 the special planning district regulations to consider adoption of the formal zoning map and text amendment for SPD number 20, Highlands of Loveland. Thank you. Is there a second? Second. Call the role, please. Vice Mayor. Yes, good year. Yes, Miss Hamlin. Yes, Mr. Hart. Yes, Miss Hazel Baker. Yes, Mr. Jarnick. Yes, Mayor Bailey.

Yes. Motion carries 7 to zero.

All right. I think the next thing is on page 153 of your packet. Um, this is the board, commission, committee, and representative appointments. I do want to thank everyone that um put their name in to be placed on one of these. Um you do have a redline version at your table. It's in addition to the beautifification committee as always seeking a motion from um council to affirm the appointments. Any comments? Um Sam Hamlin. Yes. Um, so I I believe that the responsibility to approve these appointments is probably one of the most important roles that council undertakes and I just believe that it's a vote that we should enter into lightly and I believe we owe it to the applicants, not only the applicants but to the community to approach this decision with care and I believe it is our responsibility to review qualifications and thoughtfully vet the applicants before taking action. And since these uh suggestions were made to us on Friday, and it is now just Monday, a vote tonight would not allow council the opportunity to act with the level of care that I believe it deserves. And with that, I would like to make a motion to postpone the vote on the committee appointments until the January 13, 206 meeting. Is there a second?

I second. Any comment? Call the roll, please. Mr. Goodyear, no. Miss Hamlin, yes. Mr. Hart, no. Miss Hazel Baker, yes. Mr. Jarnick, no. Mayor Bailey, no. Vice Mayor Baitman, no. The motion fails by a vote of two to four. Any other comments? Sure.

Yes. I just want to uh really just take a minute to respond a little bit to um what Miss Hamlin uh mentioned. I I agree this isn't these are important uh these are important uh votes to um to affirm the the board commission committee and representative appointments. Um, but I also believe that it's not I I don't have any HR uh experience and I certainly don't think I I am necessarily uh qualified nor am I to be honest uh wanting to peruse you know each and every one of these applications. I think within our charter, it's written as such to be in the mayor's purview to go through the applications as as uh submitted through the proper channels and the procedure that um has been set forth. And so I I put my faith in in that process. Um, I know that our commission members and committee members have have all served um, you know, valiantly and honorably in the past and I see no reason why I would approach this with skepticism, but rather I choose to approach this with um, optimism that uh, these folks will have uh, every opportunity to contribute as they've um, been selected uh, for consideration to appointment and I plan to um with with all with all good faith uh affirm these appointments.

Thank you. Any further comment? um because it didn't propo postpone um you know as a news lake city council person I would have preferred more time um just because it you know it was the speed and the amount of um nominations and I appreciate the time that everybody serves um for putting their name on that application for um being ready to serve in that way um for transparency the mayor and I met and spoke ahead um of tonight meeting really constructive conversation about expectations s, you know, earning trust, um, how we'll begin working together. And so, regardless of tonight's outcome, I know I'll take the role I've been assigned seriously. I take everything I do really seriously. Um, and I hope we'll continue to work towards a more balanced and inclusive approach um, for the residents um, that kind of apply and put their name in there for approach to boards and commissions that reflect a broad range of those residents voices.

Thank you. Any further comment, Mr. Goodyear? I I do want to echo what Mr. Bay said um to some extent because um you know there's a reason why the charter puts the responsibility of selecting these individuals on the mayor and uh I think that we have to respect the decision. And you know, there's a charter review committee that meets uh at least every 10 years and as part of that process, everything is reviewed and it has been decided that it's the mayor's prerogative to choose these uh these appointments. And so there's two parts to that. Number one, I respect the mayor's opinion. I respect her decision-making. I know she's uh thoughtful and thorough in what she does. So I place my trust in her. But also, I also know that I recognize a lot of these names. These are people that have served on committees for a number of years. Um, and so I think that I personally feel comfortable with both of those pieces of information going forward tonight. I I respect um the opinion, especially knowing that that uh to there are three members, I'm sorry, they're new on council and this is a kind of a fast approach because uh you've just gotten uh up to speed. But I do think that the charter says this uh framework for a reason and I trust that and I trust the mayor. So I would support these.

Thank you. Any further comment and and I I appreciate the quick turnaround but the reality is a lot of these expire at the end of December. So we really need to get a lot of these in place before that happens um so that we're ready to go in the new year. All right. With that, um, we have the motion, right? We have No, we need a motion to affirm. I'll move to affirm the commission committee and, uh, uh, representative appointments. Is there a second? Second. All right. Call the role, please. Miss Hamlin, no. Mr. Hart, yes. Miss Hazel Baker, yes. Mr. Jinick, yes. Mayor Bailey, yes. Vice Mayor Baitman, yes. Mr. Goodyear,

yes.

Motion carries six to one. Um, as far as announcements, city offices will be closed Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Our next meeting is not until January 13, 2026. Um, I do want to commend the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance. They had a very wonderful Christmas in Loveland uh this past weekend under very trying conditions. um they made some good adjustments to try to to to get in as much as possible and and I appreciate their pivoting and and everybody that was involved in that uh finding a way to make that work. I think it was actually kind of fun. I hopefully hopefully it was as successful as they hoped, but quite the winter wonderland. Your officers came in to where I was at one point. I think you're melting. You were like dripping all over the floor as was everyone else. But uh so well done to Little Miami River Chamber Alliances. Are there any other uh comments or questions? All right. Well, congratulations to the three of you on your first uh council meeting.

Thank you. Thank you. Can we have a motion to adjurnn? So move. Is there a second? Second. Call the RO, please. Mr. Hart, yes. Miss Hazel Baker, yes. Mr. Janick, yes. Mayor Bailey, yes. Baitman. Yes. Mr. Goodyear. Yes. Miss Hamlin. Yes. 7 to That's yours.