City Council - Regular Meeting

I call to order and welcome you to the Middletown, Ohio City Council meeting for Tuesday, April 7th, 2026. Please join me for a moment of meditation followed by the pledge of allegiance to the American flag. You will hear three taps of the gavl when it is time to stand. Please join me in a moment of meditation now. Clerk of Council, Mrs. Amy Skank, please call the attendance role.

Mrs. Carter, Mr. West, here. Mr. Mulligan, here. Slam here. Mr. Dali,

thank you. The first item on the agenda this evening is a presentation of a proclamation recognizing National Public Health Week. I would like to invite our health commissioner, Mrs. Jackie Phillips Carter and the health department team to the podium. Good evening. I'm so happy everybody could make it. All right. Don't hide behind me. All right. So, this is a lengthy proclamation but important. So, we will begin. National Public Health Week proclamation. Whereas the week of April 6th, 2026 is National Public Health Week and the theme is ready, set action, highlighting that public health actions occurring through scientific discoveries, legislation, and community initiatives have significantly improved the health of all Americans. And whereas significant strides have been made in public health since the inception of National Public Health Week in 1994, including the following public health successes. One, childhood mortality, which was at a rate of 13.8 deaths per 10,000 live births in 1994, has now fallen to 5.4 deaths per 1,000 live births due to vaccines, better health care access, and nutrition. Two, smoking rates, which were as high as 25.5% among US adults in 1994, have now fallen to 11.4% 4% due to comprehensive smoke-free policies, public awareness campaigns, and taxation of tobacco products. Three, deaths due to HIV and AIDS, which peaked in 1994 at 49,095 AIDS related deaths that year in the US

have dropped significantly with anti-retroviral therapy ensuring most people with HIV can live normal lifespans and prevention tools like PREP significantly reduce transmission. Four, mental health awareness and treatment with 40% of people with mental health conditions being untreated in 1994 has progressed with increased awareness, parody laws, and integration into primary care, which have expanded access to mental health services and reduced treatment gaps. Five, lead poisoning with four 4.4% 4% of US children having elevated blood lead levels in 1994 has now fallen to less than 0.5% due to policies banning leaded gasoline and reducing lead in paint pipes and water systems. Six health impacts of climate change such as rising heat related deaths were under recognized before the new millennium but are now being mitigated by actions such as public health campaigns, local adaption plans, including cooling centers and other preparedness plans to protect the public from extreme weather, wildfires, and other regional threats. And seven, pandemic preparedness has improved rapidly, especially led by scientific advancement, including mRNA technology and global vaccine develop deployment. And communities have increased investments in infrastructure stockpiles and global surveillance, all of which must be sustained. And whereas racial and ethnic minority populations in the United States continue to experience disparities in the burden of illness and death as compared with the entire population of the United States. And a person's health status can differ drastically by zip code due to differences in the built environment, environmental quality, community context, access to healthy food, access to education, and access to health care. And whereas public health professionals help communities prevent, prepare for, withstand, and recover from the impact of a full range of health threats,

ranging from infectious disease outbreaks to natural disaster preparedness and efforts to adequate adequately support public health and the prevention of disease and injury can continue to transform a health system focused on treating illness into a health system focused on preventing disease and injury and promoting wellness. Now therefore, I, Elizabeth Slama, mayor of the city of Middletown, by virtue of the authority vested in me, do hereby proclaim this week of April 6th through 12th, 2026 as National Public Health Week in the city of Middletown and call upon the people of Middletown to observe this week by helping our families, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and leaders to recognize the contribution of scientists, local, city, and state legislatores, community activists, including public health workers in one adopting initiatives that have significantly improve the health and longevity of the people of our state and two encouraging continued vigilance to promote health and well-being for all citizens in the themed in as the theme states ready set action.

Thank you. Would you like to see? Okay. Thank you. Take a picture. Oh, certainly.

What do you want to sit?

Everybody should stand up, right? Thank you. Next on the agenda this evening is a public hearing for the community development block grant, also known as CDBG program year 2026 annual action plan. Law director Alex Euing, you have the floor for the swearing in. Right. Thank you. So I now invite Mindy Mueller from the community development professionals to the podium. You begin and please do adjust that microphone and uh speak directly into it. Thank you so much.

Good evening everyone. Um, I have some slides to just talk about uh block grant to remind us of what we're doing um and present some information about the annual action plan. Next slide, please. And just as a reminder, the city receives an allocation of CDBG funds from HUD every year. You are an entitlement community and those funds come into the community to help the create strong sustainable inclusive communities and affordable housing. Next slide please. So Middletown again is an entitlement community which means there's a formula that's presented uh by HUD and is given every year and the CDBG funds are used for a wide variety of community development needs. The anticipated award that we're using for budgetary purposes is 695797, which is the allocation the city received in the current program year. Just as a reminder, there are three national objectives that HUD puts forward for CDBG funds. One is to benefit low to moderate income households. The second is to prevent slums or blight and the third is to address urgent community needs. There's also a expectation that anything that is spent with CDBG funds would be eligible spending activities under the regulation. Um for CDBG spending, there are a couple of caps that are required um that are relevant to the budget. There's a 15% cap on public services. Public services are support services, activities, programs done largely by nonprofit organizations to benefit Middletown residents. And there's a cap on the amount of funds that can be used for that. That'll become relevant when we look at the numbers. And there's also a 20% cap on planning and administration of the program itself. And not less than 70% of spending must be spent on low and moderate income households. Since we've

been administering this for the city of Middletown, that number has been 100%. The city's always been committed to ensuring 100% of CDBG funds benefit low and moderate income households in Middletown. So, as a reminder, there is a five-year consolidated plan that is developed. We did that plan last year, and that really identifies what the strategic priorities are for the city of Middletown and its spending of CDBG funds. Um, the annual action plans then follow one every year that work out how the city is going to meet those priority needs in the community. We are talking tonight about year 2 annual action plan that covers the period starting May one of this year and we'll go through April 30th of 27. So just a reminder about some of the planning process. Um we identify potential projects and activities that will be included with the CDBG funding for this next year and the city does that in a couple of ways. We release a request for proposal every year to provide community organizations opportunities to share in the CDBG funds and help the city achieve its priority goals. There also is an opportunity for city-led projects. Um so those presented those funding recommendations as they come in are presented to the city and then the city staff presents those recommendations to you for your consideration. So, we do a draft annual action plan. That is what's been presented to you. Um, and then we hold this public hearing like we're doing this evening. There's then a 30-day comment period where the public has an opportunity to review the plan and then give comments related to how the city intends to spend those dollars. And that will open tomorrow and run through May 8th. Um copies are also available um in the community economic

development department um at the community center, the library um and also they can have a PDF online and then we look at those written comments as those come in and those are considered for inclusion in the plan. We do include a synopsis of what the comments are in the draft plan as those are received. Next slide please. Uh so the consolidated plan again was presented last year to you um and was developed um using a pretty rigorous process. There were four priorities that were put forward in this five-year plan that we're implementing now. The first was neighborhood revitalization and these were all the process includes a lot of focus groups, individual conversations with stakeholders and residents. Um neighborhood revitalization was one of the priorities identified. It's really lifting the neighborhood. So, it's anything from homeowner repair to code enforcement to infrastructure beautifification projects in the neighborhoods. That's one priority. The second is supportive services. Um, so services that benefit Middletown residents, specifically children and youth, elderly, and wraparound services for people who are experiencing homelessness. Those were what I identified as a priority. The third economic development any kind of business growth and develop downtown revitalization specifically was um the priority and then housing availability and affordability for low and moderate income households is the fourth priority area. So a request for proposal again was um put put out on November 24th of last year. We held a public meeting on December 15th to talk about the application, explain the process. If organizations had questions about CDBG funding, they had opportunities to attend that and ask those questions. Um, and then those applications were due on

January 23rd of this year. Um, proposals were being sought for specific activities, program services in those really three of the four priority areas. Housing is really met through the home allocation that you all receive through the Butler County Consortium. So, we weren't using CDBG funding specifically to seek out housing projects, but the other three priorities. So, the recommended activities that were included in the draft annual action plan um 312,500 is being recommended for the area of neighborhood revitalization. Those are going to be reward awarded to two different subreients. Um one for home repairs through people working cooperatively and then emergency home repair through self. And then the second um area was supportive services that 104369 is that 15% cap. That's where that comes into play. And the recommended projects were fair housing in the amount of 25,000 which would be divided between legal aid and housing opportunity made equal. Both of those have been long-term partners with the city. Um and then youth services which would be allocated to CBI and Parachute. So moving forward, the next steps are we have this public hearing, we have a public comment period, and then you would um approve a draft annual action plan that would be submitted to HUD. Um the final allocations have not been announced yet. Um the timing on all this is a little wonky. Um they don't announce the final allocation until the 1 of May, around the beginning of May. Once that allocation is there, then we adjust the budget. um it's usually very modest in adjustments. Um incorporate any comments that have been received

into the final plan and then that is submitted to HUD. The contract between HUD and the city usually doesn't come to fruition until around September. So the program year is May 1 to April 30, but we usually don't even have an agreement in hand until September. So we're always a little bit behind. That's just the way this program runs with HUD. Next slide, please. Or is that the last one? So, I'm happy to entertain any questions that you have. Any questions, comments, or clarification? One comment. Is it possible to get copies of that at the Middletown Event Center? The couple places you had up on there on the west end of town. Yes.

I think if we put some out there and there's a lot of senior citizens out there. Absolutely. We'll do that. Any other comments, questions, or clarity for Miss Mueller? All right. Thank you so much. Thank you. Next on the agenda is citizen comments. Looks like we have received Have we received any citizen comments this evening? All right. We have not received any. So, we will continue to council comments. Um, we will begin to my left with Council Member Lai, followed by Vice Mayor Carter, then to my right with Council Member West, followed by Council Member Mulligan, and I will speak last. Mr. Lai.

Thank you, Mayor. I just hope everybody had a nice Easter holiday, a safe and um shared time with family and friends. That's all I have.

Thank you, Mr. Lai. Mrs. Carter. Right. Thank you, Mrs. Carter. Mr. West,

Mayor, I don't have anything tonight. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. West. Mr. Mulligan.

Thank you, your honor. Just a few comments again. Uh, happy Easter and Passover to uh the residents. Again, hope it was a uh a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend. I had the opportunity to celebrate with our um Bruce McRoberts. He uh celebrated his 100th birthday in Middletown um and joined with many family and friends and delivered a proclamation to him on behalf of the mayor and city council. So, happy birthday again to to Bruce uh McRoberts on that um on that very important milestone. The mayor uh Slam and I um participated in a joint meeting with members of Hamilton City Council, including Mayor Mohler, uh City Councilwoman Susan Vaughn and and Councilman Joel Lowour. It was an informal meeting just to discuss some joint issues and um exchange some ideas and and those informal discussions will continue throughout the year. But I think we uh I think we took from that some great u ideas for cooperation and some uh best practices that that each of our cities could learn from. also want to report that the um I I participated in several meetings with the downtown revitalization group and that includes representives representatives from the Middletown Community Foundation, city nonprofits and uh county leadership and the uh the subject of that is downtown revitalization in general, but uh the top of the agenda has to do with the Middletown Community Foundation Park which is really taking shape in um in some final plan or not final planning but advanced is planning a notice to residents. Uh please keep in mind that Saturday, April 25th is the Keep Middletown Beautiful Earth Day Arbor Day celebration in the city and signups are available at keepmittletown.org. So that is an opportunity to help uh improve your corner of the city uh

through cleanups or through tree planting or whatever activity uh could beautify your neighborhood. But uh please sign up online and and make plans to uh attend at the uh event center too on Central Avenue. Thank you, Mayor.

Thank you, Mr. Mulligan. And there's just so much happening these two next two weeks. So I need about five and a half minutes. I'll be good. So as many of you know, our beloved health commissioner, Mrs. Jackie Phillips Carter, is retiring this year after more than 28 years of extraordinary service with the city. The Health Board Personnel Committee has distilled their list of applicants to this position down to three exceptional candidates. And following a vote during the May board of health meeting, they should be able to announce Middletown's new health commissioner. This Friday, April 10th, is the spring shop hop hosted by DMI Downtown Middletown, Inc. Check in at the DMI tent in Governor Square downtown from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Go ahead and do that to collect your passport and earn chances in the raffle while getting to know our downtown businesses and their specials. For more information, please visit Downtown Middletown, Inc. on Facebook. That same night, April 10th, uh the beautiful and historic Sor Opera House located at 63 South Main Street presents Sweet Baby James, a tribute to James Taylor. For more information, please visit soroperhouse.org. This Friday and Saturday, April 10th and 11th, enjoy two full days of demo rides when the 8th annual BMW Moto Rad demo truck comes to town, hosted by BMW Motorcycles of Greater Cincinnati, located at 140 North Varity Parkway, just outside here. Stop by and check out the latest BMW motorcycles raffles, food, and meet other riders. For more information, please visit BMW Motorcycles of Greater Cincinnati.com. This Saturday, April 11th, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. is the community baby shower hosted at our newly renovated Sunny Hill Community Center. Mothers with an infant under the age of one and expectant mothers are welcome to celebrate new life. Free baby gifts, raffles, community resources, a photo booth, complimentary lunch and refreshments, maternal health education, and much more are on the menu. For more information and to register, please visit AMCabshower.givesmart.com. This Sunday, April 12th, our Middletown Open Air Market, also known as MOM, is back. From 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.,

located across from Gravel Road Brewing Company at 916 1st Avenue in downtown, MOM hosts a variety of themed market days throughout the summer. For more information, please visit Moam Ohio on Facebook and that's M OM. Also, this Saturday, um, April, what did I say? 11th is, uh, from 2 to 3 p.m., join at Bulls Run Arboritum located at 3909 Rosedale Road for the Wild Flower Walk. Certain wild flowers only bloom in early spring, and this is a chance for a guided walk to see what is in bloom for the season. For more information, please visit bullsrun.org. Next Friday, April 17th, join us in celebration of the US Semiquentennial for the America 250 celebration and heritage tree planting ceremony at the Event Center of Middletown. Supported by a grant from the America 250 Ohio Commission, we honor our industrial and pioneer roots while we simultaneously literally root new life into Middletown's landscape. For more information, please visit our city website at cityofmiddtown.org. Hover over residents and click on America 250 celebration under City of Middletown events. Next Saturday, April 18th at 10 a.m., join for a sensory friendly Saturday at the MAC, our Middletown Art Center. Enjoy a warm, welcoming, and inclusive space where individuals of all ages and abilities can explore art in a way that feels comfortable and fun. Best of all, the event is completely free for the community. For more information, please visit middletownartcenter.com. Afterward, next Saturday, April 18th, join for the Peanuts movie at the Sor Opera House presented by Middletown Lyric Theater at 10 a.m., 1 PM, and 4 PM. Join Charlie Brown and the entire gang for a joy, joyful, heartwarming adventure for all ages. Photos with Snoopy are available before and after each showing. For more information, please visit sorgherhouse.org. Also, next Saturday, April 18th, at 2 p.m., the Elks, located at 912th Avenue, will be hosting an expungement training. Help someone you care about push past the past. A past records can stand in the way of a home, a career, or a fresh start. Join to learn how you can help

remove those barriers and open new doors. Next Sunday, April 19th, at the Event Center of Middletown, located at 3907 Central Avenue, is The Tortoise in the Hair. Performed by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, a national leader in regional theater dedicated to bringing highquality performing arts to the greater Cincinnati area. This free and open to the public performance is recommended for ages pre kindergarten and up, making it an ideal outing for families and a fantastic opportunity to introduce young children to the magic of life theater. For more information, please visit the city's website at city of middletown.org. Hover over the residence icon at the top of the homepage and click on playhouse in the park under city middletown events. Please save the date, Saturday, April 25th from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. for the Walk for Hope, a free community event that raises awareness for mental health and connection presented by our Middletown High School Hope Squad. The event will take place at the track at Middletown High School. Tickets are now on sale for Middletown Rocks, the fourth annual benefit concert for CBI, our community building institute. Save the date of Thursday, May 14th, and get ready for an evening to remember at the Sorg House as you boogie and groove with eight featured community leader performers backed by the live band Live Your Dream. It is a fantastic night for a great cause. For more information, please visit cbi middletown.info/middtown rocks. Tickets are also on sale now for the annual women's wine and chocolate walk brought to you by DMI Downtown Middletown, Inc. Save the date of Saturday, May 16th. It's always the Saturday after Mother's Day for this fun-filled day just for the ladies. For more information, please visit downtowntownm middletown.org. As a reminder, the city of Middletown accepts applications for our boards and commissions throughout the year. So, if there is something that you have an interest in and you wish to give back to your city in this way, please do submit your application. To learn more, please visit the city's website at city of middletown.org. Lastly, and as always, there are many ways to get involved with your community and give back. You can join a board or committee, run for office, apply for a job with the city, volunteer at the hospital, pick up trash in your neighborhood or park, plant a garden in your yard, smile at a neighbor, find joint satisfaction for a job well done

in whatever work you do, or just have a positive and giving attitude. Find something that you can do regularly to give back. We are all connected and we are all in this together. The care of our city is an adventure in which we all get to share. That is all for me tonight and this concludes our council comments. Next on the agenda is the city manager reports. City Manager Ashley Commes, do you have you have the floor? Good evening. I don't have anything this evening to report. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Miss Combmes. So, next on the agenda this evening is the consent agenda. And while the consent agenda is generally for consensus items, do any council members wish to remove anything from the consent agenda this evening and move it to the motion agenda? All right. Seeing none, we will continue. Mrs. Skank, please present the consent agenda. your consideration this evening. We have the approval of the city council minutes of January 20th, March 19th, April 9th, June 18th in September 3rd, 2024, January 25th, April 1st, July 15th, August 5th, August 19th, September 2nd and September 16, 2025, and March 17, 2026. We have to receive and file the following board and commission minutes. The planning commission minutes from November 13, 2025, January 14th, January 22nd, and February 11th, 2026. Architecture Review Board minutes from January 20 9th, 2026. The board of health minutes from February 10th, 2026. Historic commission minutes from February 19th, 2026. to confirm the appointment of a April Chromemer to the position of assistant finance director in the department of finance and the appointment of Evan Smith to the position of firefighter paramedic in the department of public safety division of fire to confirm the conditional appointment of Haley Coffee to the position of dispatcher in the department of public safety division of police and the conditional appointment of Joshua Cornet to the position of code specialist in the community and economic development department. Confirm the promotional appointment of Evan Rainey to the position of equipment operator in the Department of Public Works and Utilities Division of Grounds Maintenance and the promotional appointment of Matthew Sawers to the position of equipment operator in the Department of Public Works and Utilities Division of Stormwater Maintenance to receive and file the OS of office for Alyssa BS, Wyatt Duff, Gail Gilbert, and Thomas Smith.

Thank you, Mrs. Skank. Is there a motion to approve the consent agenda? Motion. Is there a second? Second. It has been properly moved and seconded to accept the extent consent agenda. We will proceed to vote. Mrs. Skank, please call the role. Mr. West, yes. Mr. Mulligan, yes. Mayor Slama, yes. Mr. Li, yes. Mrs. Carter, yes. The yeses have and the consent agenda is approved. The next agenda item is the motion agenda. We have five items this evening. Mrs. Skank, please present item A on the motion agenda. to approve a contract with Mohan Industrial Coatings of Beachmont, Kentucky in the amount of $279,000 for the cleaning and coating blasting of the primary clarifier at the water treatment plant. Thank you, Mrs. Skank. Miss Combmes, the staff report, please.

The water treatment plant softens drinking water using two solid contact upflow clarifiers. The primary clarifier built in 1971 remains in good working condition with its original equipment. The second clarifier was fully rehabilitated in 2006 with all components replaced. While replacement parts are still available to maintain the primary clarifier with annual cleaning, its mechanical components and metal surfaces now require cleaning and recoding. This work must be completed before summer 2026 to ensure adequate drinking water flow. Bids were received by two vendors for the cleaning of the primary clarifier and the city recommends Mahon Industrial Coatings as the lowest and best bid. Thank you, Miss Miss Combmes. Do I have a motion to approve item A to approve a contract with Mahon Industrial Coatings in amount of $279,000 for the primary clarifier at the water treatment plant?

Motion. Is there a second? Second. Having been properly moved and seconded, is there any discussion? All right, seeing none, we will proceed to vote. Mrs. Skank, please call the role. Mr. Mulligan, yes. Mr. Sama, yes. Mr. Li, yes. Mrs. Carter, yes. Mr. West, yes. Yes. Have it. Motion passes. Mrs. Skank, please present item B on the motion agenda to authorize a city manager to enter into a contract with Trade 31 LLC to proceed with the replacement of the four fourth floor windows at the city building in an amount not to exceed $815,500. Thank you, Mrs. Skank. Miss Staff report, please.

The city recommends replacing the fourth floor windows due to leaks that are causing damage to the window sills and walls. Approximately 3,000 square feet of windows, including hardware and sills, will be replaced. Trade 31 LLC submitted the lowest bid of $815,500, which includes the installation of new window shades. Funding will come from the capital improvements fund 220 and Downtown Improvements Fund 41, both of which have already been appropriated. Thank you, Miss Combmes. Do I have a motion to approve item B to authorize the city manager to enter into a contract with Trade 31 LLC for the replacement of the fourth floor windows of the city building in an amount not to exceed $815,500? Motion. Is there a second? Second.

Having been properly moved and seconded, is there any discussion? Do they have any idea when they'd start the work? Just a yes or no. No, I'm kidding. Mr. Scott Tatage. Yes. I guess they should have asked that better. Yes, Mr. Scott Tatish, our director of public works. Scott, sorry. No, you're good. They should start probably in the next month or so. Uh, but it it takes 240 working days if I recall for the whole project. So, it's going to be ongoing for Yeah. Yeah. So, it's a big project.

Any other questions while Scott's down here? Mr. Tatis is down here. All right. Seeing none, any other questions in general? All right. Seeing none, we will uh go ahead and vote. Mrs. Kane, please call the role. Mayor Slamka, yes. Mr. Li, yes. Mrs. Carter, yes. Mr. West, yes. Mr. Mulligan, yes. Yes. Have it. And the motion passes. Mrs. G, would you please please read item C on the motion agenda? Authorize the city manager to enter into an agreement with Auror Wrecking Company to provide soil remediation and final grading at the Middletown paperboard site in an amount not to exceed $576,55. Thank you. Miss Combmes staff report, please. In

December 2023, the Butler County Land Bank received a grant from the Ohio Brownfield Mar Remediation Program for the demolition and environmental cleanup of the Middletown paperboard site at 427 Vanderver Street. Phase one, which involves site clearance and asbestous removal, was completed by Renaissant, Inc. in November of 2024. Between late 2024 and 25, a phase two, environmental site assessment and engineering plans for so soil removal and site preparation were completed. In early 2026, the city invited bids for the project, receiving three submitts. Auroric Wrecking Company provide the lowest base bid of $466,75 totaling $576,55 when including additional alternatives. Once the contract is finalized with OORO, work will begin to meet the June 30th, 2026 Brownfield grant deadline. Upon completion, a no further action letter will be issued allowing the city to seek developers for the site. The project again is estimated that total funded through account um account number 499 with reimbursement from the Ohio Department of Development's Brownfield Remediation Grant. Thank you, Miss Combmes. Is there a motion to approve item C to authorize the city manager to enter into an agreement with AOR Wrecking Company to provide soil remediation and final grading at the Middletown paperboard site in an amount not to exceed $576,55?

Motion. Is there a second? Second. Having been properly moved and seconded, um is there any discussion? Yeah. Was the June 30th date is that when the work must be completed or That's understanding. Yes. The work must completed by that date. I didn't know if that was start by date or completion date. Completion. Thank you. Excellent. Thank you. Any other questions or comments? Right. Seeing none, we will proh proceed to vote. Mrs. Skank, please call the role. Mr. Li, yes. Mrs. Carter, yes. Mr. West. Yes. Mr. Mulligan. Yes. Mayor Slama. Yes. The yeses have it and the motion passes. Mrs. Gank, please read item D on the motion agenda

to approve contracts to mow various city properties for the three-year period of 2026, 2027, and 2028 as follows. Thank you. According to that little graph there, Mrs. Combmes, please, the staff report.

The city requires seasonal mowing for multiple properties, including the city building, parks, medians, and the event center. Bids were requested for a three-year contract based on approximately 25 cuts per year and five contract five contractors responded. The recommended bids for most areas are the lowest and most responsive. One contractor review rewrits its bid for a specific area and the next lowest bidder is recommended instead. The event center portion was removed pending additional specifications. the biders as are you see on the screen. The three-year total for the contract mowing is $1,566,575 and the cost will be shared between three different funds, general fund, storm water fund, and the water fund.

Thank you, Miss Combmes. Do we have a motion to approve item D to approve contracts to mow various city properties for the three-year period from 2026 to 2028 in accordance with the given chart provided here? Motion. Is there a second? Second. haven't been properly moved and seconded. Is there any discussion? Right. Hearing none, we will proceed to vote. Mrs. G, please call the role. Mrs. Carter, yes. Mr. West, yes. Mr. Mulligan, yes. Slam, yes. Mr. Li, yes.

Mrs. Habit, and the motion passes. Mrs. Skank, please read item D, item E on the motion agenda. Authorize the city manager to grant a drainage easement to Gateway Lofts Middletown LLC on a city-owned parcel identified as open space lot 10 on the Renaissance Point phase 2 plat in a form substantially similar to the version included with a council workbook. Thank you, Mrs. Skank. Miss Combmes, the staff report, please.

The city is working with water development on the Renaissance Point project. A drainage easement was included in the plat approved by the city council and recorded in 2025 located at the southeast corner of Union Road and Atrium Boulevard. This easement facilitates storm water drainage from the developer property to his detention pond or detention area and allows for necessary maintenance and repairs. Thank you, Miss Combmes. Do I have a motion to approve item E to authorize the city manager to grant a grant a drainage easement to Gateway Lofts Middletown LLC on a city-owned parcel identified as open space lot 10 on the Renaissance Point phase 2 plat motion. Is there a second? Second. Have you been properly moved and seconded? Is there any discussion? Seeing none, we will proceed to vote. Mrs. Gang, please call the role. Mr. West,

yes. Mr. Mulligan, yes. Mayor Slamka, yes. Mr. Law, yes. Mrs. Carter, yes.

Thees have it. And the motion passes. This concludes the motion agenda. The next item on the agenda is executive session. And let me go ahead and get this verbiage here. Is there a motion to move to executive session under the authority of OC121.22 22 G8 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 or to negotiations with other political subdivisions respecting requests for economic development assistance provided that both of the following conditions apply. A the information is directly related to a request for economic development assistance that is to be provided or administered under any provisions of chapter 715 725 1724 or 1728 or section 701.07 3735.67 to 3735.70 5709.40 to 5709.43 5709.61 to 5709.69 69 5709.73 to 5709.75 or 5709.77 to 5709.81 81 of the revised code or that involves public infrastructure improvements of the extension or the extension of utility services that are directly related to an economic development project. And B, a unanimous quorum of the public body determines by a roll call vote that the executive session 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. Is there a motion?

Motion. Do we have a second? Second. Is it proper? It has been properly moved and seconded. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, we will put uh go ahead and vote. Mrs. Skank, please call the role. Mr. Milligan, yes. Slanka, yes. Mr. Li, yes. Mrs. Carter, yes. Mr. West, yes. Yes. Haven't council will now move to executive session.

Uh, do we have a motion to return to open session? Is there a second? Second. It has been properly moved and seconded to return to open session. We proceed to vote. Mrs. Gank, please call the role. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes.

Yeses have it. And the motion passes. Council will now return to open session. The next item on the agenda is legislation. We have 15 items of legislation this evening. Dau director, Mr. Alex Ewing. Legislation, please. Item number one, ordinance number 02026-10, an ordinance changing the zoning classification for two parcels located at 1301 South Marshall Road from R-4P Plan Development District to B-2, Community Business District. Second reading. Thank you. Miss Combmes, do you have anything to add? I do not. Thank you. Thank you, Miss Combmes. Is there a motion to approve the ordinance? So, move for adoption.

Is there a second? It has been uh is there any second? So, that falls to the floor then if there's no second. Yes, there's a second. Yes.

Okay, that falls to the floor. All right. So, we will continue on. Mr. Alex Euing, the next item, please. Item number two, ordinance number 02026-11, an ordinance establishing a procedure for and authorizing a contract between the city and Middletown Industrial Technologies LLC for the sale of city-owned property located on Hook Drive, known as Butler County, partial number Q6511 0260021. Second reading. Thank you, Mr. Yuing. Miss Co, do you have anything to add? I do not. Thank you. Thank you. Is there a motion to approve the ordinance? Motion.

Is there a second? It has been properly moved and seconded. Is there any discussion? Hearing none, we will proceed to vote. Mrs. Gang, please call the role. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Have it. And the motion passes. Mr. Yuing. Next item, please.

Item number three, resolution number R 2026-09. A resolution authorizing the city manager to apply for and entered into a grant agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration and Ohio Department of Transportation, Office of Aviation for the Ramp Expansion Jets hanger design project at Middletown Regional Airport and declaring an emergency. Thank you. Miss Combs the staff report please. I don't have anything to add from the last meeting. Okay, perfect. Thank you. Excellent. And then in that case, um is there an uh a motion to approve the resolution? So move for adoption. Is there a second? Second.

Has been properly moved and uh seconded. Is there any discussion?

Mr. So once again, I'm struggling with this legislation on the airport because I I honestly believe that we need to determine through our strategic planning process the direction we want to go with the airport before we put nearly a million dollars of taxpayers money into a project that simply designs what we may want to do down the road. Um and and that may not ultimately benefit us what we decide through the strategic planning process what we want to do at the airport. I'm not trying to sty projects at the airport, but I think it's only fair to first determine our path forward at the airport before we apply for accept or proceed with a project that may not benefit the future of the airport. While I understand we have an airport master plan, um I I strongly believe that that plan is that needs to be revisited and updated to include what we determined from the strategic plan. essentially, you know, do do we want to see the airport as an economic gateway to Middletown or we are are we content with it becoming what essentially caters transient aircraft coming in and refueling and taking off. Basically, that turns our airport into a gas station. And that's what I see the vision of this legislation doing. Um, I see our airport as having the potential to be an economic gateway and I don't want to be handcuffed because we put the horse before the cart and take a federal grant simply because the federal grant

opportunity is there. That's dangerous, especially if we don't get the funding for the actual cost to do the ramp extension, which is nearly $700,000 or 650 to $700,000. And even then, from the emails, we'll have to put up five to 10% of it ourselves. My issue is with that is that we have a lot of maintenance that we need to do at the airport and that's not being accomplished. Not to anybody's fault. It's just the money hasn't been there. But we have this new beautiful Butler Tech aviation building and it's surrounded by hangers that are in terrible shape. it paint is down to primer and we're we're not even taking care of the stuff we have out at the airport. I think we need to focus on what we currently have before we start spending a million dollars on what we don't have that may not financially benefit us in in the long run. Once again, we we I think we need to think this out through the um through the strategic planning process. Um if if you just look at the economic development they are doing at some of the airports around us, um Miami the airport up in Miami Township, the economic development there, just drive down uh 741, it's incredible. Look what they're they announced that they're doing at Lan airport now. A pretty large new business coming there, a hotel being built there. Uh I think we can if we take a deeper look at what we want at this airport here, we can do those things. So that's

why I I I'm I'm against doing anything right now that may handcuffed us handcuff us and being able to do these types of expansion at the airport. I greatly appreciate the do the job Nick and his staff are doing at the airport and once we I think we figure out from the strategic plan what type of airport we want um then then let's get going on some of those projects. I just see this legislation as making our airport nothing more than a transient airport where it becomes a air gas station. That's all. Thank you Mr. Lai. Any other comments, questions?

Yeah, I guess for me, I mean, it's a little bit I I understand uh Mr. Lolly's comments on this. I think the difficult thing is, you know, if we look at, you know, strategic plans and and you know, sort of where we want the airport to go. Um it we we know the potential for that site. Obviously, there's other people that believe in that site, but I think from a strategic planning perspective, um I don't see an issue with going through with accepting this grant just to have the design phase uh for a potential ramp expansion. You know, we we have made some significant investments in the airport recently, you know, with deicing and and some of those things. Um I think really as much as we want to to plan for the airport until uh you know somebody comes in whether it be a company um or you know depending on geographic location if it if if a new capability for uh you know airlift or something like that were to come through until something like that is landed at the airport you know that could obviously change the the course of the airport pretty drastically, pretty quickly. Hopefully, you know, that does happen. But I guess for me, I'm okay with this from a from a a planning and design phase. uh it gives us a little bit of time to take a look at what that would look like and then also, you know, work with Nick and his his staff to see, you know, because I even though, you know, there there's a significant amount of of folks who want the airport to remain sort of a a private

uh airport for their own personal aircraft. I mean, I think most of us up here see it as something completely differently. Um, so hopefully that does happen in the future. But on this particular resolution, I you know, I think I'll support it. Uh, mainly because it's just a design phase aspect. Thank you, Mr. West. Anyone else would like to comment or ask questions? What's the grant? How much was the grant? Seven like 82

82,000 roughly. And um I I also u I actually agree with both. I I'm very excited about the possibility of maybe an update to our airport master plan to look at it through that economic development lens. Um that is extremely exciting. I love the the examples that Mr. Lai gave this evening. And um from the emails from the conversations basically about the airport, I also agree with Mr. West. I think that this this would be fine to go ahead and go through. That's what I'm looking at. I think we can we can do both at this point. Any other comments or questions or anything at all from councel hearing? Okay, hearing none, we will proceed to vote. Mrs. Gang, please call the role.

Mr. West, yes. Mr. Mulligan, yes. Mr. Slam, yes. Mr. Li, no. Mrs. Carter, no. The yeses have it and the motion passes. Mr. Yuing, the next item, please. No. Oh, I'm sorry. um for an emergency, but it does it does pass for the the regular month. Doesn't pass as emergency, but if you have three out of five, it would pass for the regular. Yes, it would it would pass for regular, but um I forgive me. I that that was my I think we may want to bifrocate the question because of the split. And what I mean by that is the question is about do we want to pass it as a normal resolution as opposed to a emergency.

I see. So, we have to kind of separate and ask make a motion for that and then come back. Yeah. Okay. And that might be a problem because wasn't there a May 1 deadline on this for the grant? If that's the case, then it's moot point then May 1 deadline. Okay. So therefore, even though we have three, it doesn't pass at all. Passes but passes but not as emergency. It Yeah, it passes but it's not. Okay. So the it stands that the motion or the legislation does pass but it does not pass as an emergency. Correct. Okay. Do I have to say anything else particular for the record?

All right. Then we will proceed with uh next item please. Mr. Yuing. Item number four, ordinance number 02026-12. an ordinance authorizing an amendment to the development agreement between the city and Ohio regional con constructors LLC for the development of the former Roosevelt school site in declaring an emergency. Thank you. Miss Combmes, a staff report, please.

In February 2024, the city partnered with Ohio Regional Constructors to redevelop the former Roosevelt Elementary School site into 20 single family lots. The TA tax increment financing district will be established was established in 2025 to fund the public infrastructure improvements. The developer seeks to amend the reversionary rights to align with the expected completion of infrastructure by October 31st, 2027, facilitating cost recovery through tiff proceeds. This is a first reading emergency. Staff asked that city council pass this measure to ensure timely alignment of incentive documents and infrastructure development deadlines. Thank you, Miss Cones. Is there a motion to approve the ordinance? Motion. Is there a second? Second.

Has been properly moved and seconded. Is there any discussion? Right. Seeing none, we will proceed to vote. Mrs. Gang, please call the role. Mr. Milligan, yes. Slanka, yes. Mr. Law, yes. Mrs. Carter, yes. Mr. West, yes. Mrs. Habit, and the legislation passes. Next item, please. Mr. Yuing. Item number five, ordinance number 02026-13, an ordinance authorizing a development agreement regarding the sale of city-owned property known as the Manchester Hotel and Sunshine Building for redevelopment to the Manchester Apartments LLC and declaring an emergency. Thank you. Miss comes to staff report, please.

The city of Middletown has owned the Manchester Inn and Sunshine buildings since 2011, aiming to transform them into a vibrant mixeduse site. After three unsuccessful rehabilitation attempts, public engagement sessions were held to develop a new approach. In fall 2025, the city reissue or issued a request for qualifications for professional developers. CMC Properties LLC was the sole respondent proposing a plan of at least 100 residential units up to 15,000 square feet of commercial space and approximately 250 parking spaces representing an investment of over 25 million. The development agreement includes pre-closing conditions such as demolishing existing structures, delivering a pad ready site, a 30-year 100% tiff agreement, a 4 million grant at the start of construction, and completion of the Middletown Community Foundation Park and other necessary incentives. The proposed legislation requires a 4 million expenditure from city funds. Meeting the pre-closing cost conditions will require a mix of city funds, external grants, and investments from the downtown revitalization fund of the Middletown Community Foundation. Uh, first reading, emergency staff request emergency reading to initiate formal due diligence for site redevelopment.

Thank you, Miss Combmes. Is there a motion to approve the ordinance? Motion. Is there a second? Second. Second. It has been properly moved and seconded. Is there any discussion? Right. Seeing none, we will proceed to vote. Mrs. Gang, please call the role. Slam? Yes. Mr. Li, yes. Mrs. Carter, yes. Mr. West, yes. Mr. Mulligan, yes.

Yes. Haven't the legislation passes. Mr. Ying, the next item, please. Or item number six, ordinance number 2026-14, an ordinance amending ordinance 0205-081 passed by the city of Middletown on December 15th, 2015 to remove certain parcels from the town mall tiff and declaring an emergency. Thank you. Miss Com, the staff report, please.

The city of Middletown established the town mall hospital tiff in December 2005 to encourage development in the east end corridor. The 15acre site at Market Avenue and Union Road was acquired in 2022 for a multif family project despite having collected TIFF payments since 2006. To address the public infrastructure demands, the new 314 unit development, a new TIF district is proposed. This legislation will remove the parcels from the existing TIF, create a standalone TIF, and restart TIFF payments for the project's duration, which will last 30 years and comply with the Middletown City School District compensation agreement. So legislation item six removes the market avenue parcels from the town mall hospital tiff and legislation item seven creates a standalone tiff for the market avenue parcels. This is a first reading emergency. Staff requests that council pass this measure as an emergency to ensure timely financing and alignment of in infrastructure of the project.

Thank you Miss Combmes. Is there a motion to approve the or is there a motion to approve the ordinance? So moved. Is there a second? Okay. Hearing none that falls on the floor and we will continue. Mr. Yuington number seven, please.

Item number seven, ordinance number 02026-15, an ordinance to create a tip area pursuant to section 5709.4B of the Ohio Revised Code. declare improvements to certain parcels of real property located in the tiff area to be a public purpose exempt from real property taxation 100% of those improvements required the owners of those parcels to make service payments in le of taxes establish a municipal public improvement tax increment equivalent fund for the deposit of the remainder of those service payments specify the public infrastructure improvements to be made within the tiff area that directly benefits those partials and declaring an emergency.

Thank you, Miss Combmes. Just what I said at the last item is this legislation item creates the standalone tip for the Market Avenue parcels. Thank you very much. Is there a motion to approve the ordinance? Hearing none, the um item falls to the floor. Mr. Ying, the next item, please. Uh Miss Mayor, I I would uh just wanted to bring something to the council's attention.

Thank you. Uh going back to item number one, I've just been communicating with a colleague. Um this item number one received a first but not a second and we fell on the floor. But because the planning commission recommended the uh approval of the zoning change, if if if it's council's desire not to approve the zoning change, we need a vote against it. So, so I I wanted to raise bring that to your attention just because, you know, you know, a a not not seconding it and not having a vote uh would would uh it's it's better to have a vote against if that's the desire. Council

certainly. So, at this point then we just would we would just go back. You'll read I can reread item number one if Yes, please. Item number one, ordinance number 02026-10, an ordinance changing the zoning classification for two parcels located at 1301 South Marshall Road from R-4P Plan Development District to B-2 Community Business District. Second reading. Thank you. Uh, Miss Combmes, do you wish to to add anything at this point? I do. Thank you. Is there a mot we need to take another first? Okay. Is there a motion to approve the ordinance? So move for adoption. Thank you. Is there a second? Second.

Thank you. It has been properly moved and seconded. Is there any discussion? Yep. Once again, my concern is changing this to B2 Community Business District will bring without a doubt another gas station and andor strip mall to this location. And I think we can be a lot more creative in what we bring for this property instead of another gas station along a a boulevard that is laden with gas stations. Thank you, Mr. Lai. Are there any other comments, questions?

No, I I agree with Mr. Lai statements. I think removing it from a plan development district, it's very it gets very tricky on on what the city has saywise. I mean, you pretty much relinquish any say in in what would go there. So, I happen to agree with him on this. Thank you, Mr. West. Any other comments? Yeah. And the only one thing, you know, I I I feel I I understand what the Mason Group is going through and trying to get out of that building. But once again, I I hopefully we can work and and do what we can there. Um, but we got to look at the bigger picture for the city.

I understand. Yeah. the um the point of uh of this it it's difficult because yeah we we don't want something that we already have in the uh in the sense additional gas stations but uh and gas stations in general are just favored but in my mind we're not impacting any residential territory because it's it's pro you know that area is different from say you know impeding on on residential so there's the the barrier of of Grand Avenue and and Roosevelt and there's already commercial district around it. So, as much as I see the point in this, I um it it doesn't offend me. So,

thank you. And I just want to say that um while I definitely encourage business as well, um I just have some other thoughts about the criteria, environmental, aesthetic, that kind of thing. Environmental mostly. So, um if we have no other comment or questions, we will proceed to vote. Mrs. Skank, please call the role. Mr. West, no. Mr. Mr. Mulligan, yes. Mayor Slama, no. Mr. Li, no. Mrs. Carter, no. The nos have it. And the uh ordinance does not it fails to pass. And we will continue now to number seven. Is that correct? Uh number eight. Number eight. Thank you.

Okay. Item number eight, resolution number R2026-10, a resolution to make adjustments to appropriations for current expenses and other expenditures of the city of Middletown, counties of Butler and Warren, state of Ohio for the period ending December 31st, 2026, and declaring an emergency. Various funds garage changes.

Thank you. Miss Combmes, the staff report, please. The city's garage, which handles maintenance for vehicles and equipment, incurs costs for labor, parts, and fuel, build to departments through a charge process. In August 2025, a cyber security incident rendered the operating system inaccessible, delaying the processing of routine charges and recording of expenses for the 2025 budget. The garage has since implemented a new system and staff have reconciled and processed backdated charges. These expenses were not included in the 2026 budget, necessitating the supplemental appropriation for proper accounting and reimbursement to the garage fund. Timely approval of this request is essential for accurate records, auditing, and transition of transit related grant management to the Butler County Regional Transit Authority. This is a first reading emergency request. An emergency designation is essential for prompt payment of outstanding charges and ensure financial records are updated for audits and grant transitions. Thank you very much. Is there a motion to approve the resolution?

Motion. Is there a second? Second. It has been properly moved and seconded. Is there any discussion? Hearing none, we will proceed to vote. Mrs. Gang, please call the role. Mr. Mulligan, yes. Slam. Yes. Mr. Li, yes. Mrs. Carter, yes. Mr. West, yes. Yes. Have it. And the motion passes. Legislation passes. Mr. Yuing. The next item, please. Item number nine, ordinance number 02026-16, an ordinance establishing a procedure for and authorizing a contract with Morris Heating and Cooling Incorporated to replace the HVAC system at the water reclamation facility administration building and declaring an emergency. No action requested until April 21st, 2026.

Thank you, Mr. Yuing. Miss Combmes, the staff report, please. The air conditioning system at the water reclamation plant administrative building has failed and cannot be repaired due to the agent and condition of the system. Quotes for replacement were obtained and staff recommends awarding the contract to Morris Heating and Cooling Inc. with a $10,000 cons contingency for a total of $227,158.39. This project will be funded from the sewer capital fund. Emergency legislation is requested on April 21st um due to the expedition of the equipment order.

Thank you, Miss Combmes. As this is a second reading emergency, there is no action to be taken at this time. However, is there any discussion from councel? Right. Hearing none, we will continue. Mr. uh Mr. Ying, the next item, please. Item number 10, ordinance number 02026-17, an ordinance authorizing the extension of an agreement with Bulls Run Arboritum, now known as Bullsrun Nature Sanctuary and Arboritum for the use of property owned by the city as an arboritum for the benefit of the public. First reading. Thank you, Miss Combmes. The staff report, please.

On April 24th, 1979, the city council authorized an agreement with Bulls Run Arboritum to establish an arboritum on 11.8 8 acres of former fresh air camp property in Middletown. The agreement extended for 20 years in 1999 is renewed annually unless terminated. The arperetum benefits Middletown residents by providing a space for studying native plants and animals and has hosted educational tours for school groups. The agreement will be modified to include a city provided portable restroom from April to October. Staff recommends a 20-year contract extension. The cost of the portable restroom is approximately $110 per month. Thank you, Miss Combmes. As this is the first reading, there is no action to be taken at this time. However, is there any discussion from councel? Hearing none, we will proceed. Mr. Yuing, the next item, please.

Item number 11, ordinance number 02026-18, an ordinance amending section 1436.01, International Property Maintenance Code adopted of the codified ordinances. First reading.

Thank you, Miss Combmes. A staff report, please. City of Middletown adopted the 2009 International Property Maintenance Code IPMC in 2012 with a 2024 amendment. Updates from a review of the 2020 2009 and 2021 versions included changing extermination to pest elimination and expanding the definition of owner. Key changes address occupancy limits in chapter 4 and non uh potable water systems in chapter 5. While chapter 7 now better aligns with the International Fire Code, a conflict with the conflict with the residential code of Ohio regarding the handrails and guardrails has been identified. Staff proposes amending the text to reflect stricter RCO requirements and adopting appendix A for securing vacant structures with an effective date of July 1st, 2026.

Thank you, Miss Combmes. As this is a first reading, there is no action to be taken at this time. However, is there any discussion from councel? All right, seeing none, we will proceed. Mr. Yuing, the next item, please. Item number 12, ordinance number 02026-9, an ordinance amending chapter 874, garage sales of the codified ordinances. First reading. Thank you, Miss Combmes. A staff report, please. Staff have discovered that references to the Middletown Development Code and garage sales ordinance are outdated. These references pertain to the zoning code replaced in 2001. The current development code was adopted in 2018 and this amendment updates those references to relevant sections regarding garage sales and assign installation.

Thank you. As this is a first reading, there is no action to be taken at this time. However, is there any discussion from council? I do have one. Mr. Mulligan, city manager, do you u recall if the uh if a prior regulation was two times a year or was it has it been four in the recent past? I remember it being four per year and Claire confirmed that as well. Seems like a lot. 12 12 days a year.

All right. Any other questions or comments from council we proceed? Right. Seeing none, we will proceed. Mr. Y. The next item, please. Item number 13, ordinance number 02026-20, an ordinance establishing a procedure for and authorizing an extension of the contract with Quality Publishing Company Incorporated to design, print, and mail a quarterly community newsletter. First reading. Thank you, Miss Combmes. The staff report, please.

The city of Middletown publishes Middletown Now quarterly magazine to inform residents about city matters. It is mailed to utility account holders and available on the city's website. The cost is $12,81743 per issue totaling in $51,269.72 cents for four issues which is lower than the previous contract. The contract will extend through the summer of 2027 edition despite some rising cost. Thank you, Miss Combmes. As this is a first reading, there is no action to be taken at this time. However, is there any discussion from council? I just wanted to say that um this this newsletter has really had a positive impact from what I've seen and what I've heard. Uh people approach me and they talk about oh I saw this in the newsletter and the conversations begin. So I I'm very proud of the city and of staff for doing such a wonderful job.

Thank you. Just one question mayor. it. Yeah, I think there is some benefit to this and it is good internal marketing tool for the city and the residents and city government. But is there any way to um enter into or explore some partnership with a nonprofit uh you know whether it be the chamber of commerce or some other um organization to uh help defay the cost by selling advert advertisements in the in the newsletter. We could absolutely look at that and report back to council. Thank you. I mean, if if that's a worthwhile inquiry, I think that sounds like that makes sense. All right. Uh, thank you very much. Any other comments at this time? Discussion.

All right. Seeing none, we will proceed. Mr. Yung, the next item, please. Item number 14, ordinance number 02026-21, an ordinance providing for the issuance and sale of notes in the maximum principal amount of $5,500,000 in anticipation of the issuance of bonds for the purpose of paying the costs of designing, engineering, constructing, acquiring, renovating, and improving various municipal infrastructure permanent improvements for the Renaissance Area District. Uh, excuse me. Renaissance Arena District Project, including water manes, sanitary sewers and storm sewers, public roads and streets, and related curb and gutters, grading, landscaping, and otherwise improving the sites thereof, and equipment and impertinances as may be necessary in connection therewith. First reading.

Thank you, Mr. Euing. Miss K, the staff report, please. In 2024, the city council approved 5.5 million in bands for the phase 1 public improvements and an additional 5.5 million in 2025 to refinance existing debt. The proposed legislation allows for issuing up to 5.5 million in new bands to roll over the existing debt for another year until it can be converted into long-term bonds. The legislation will maintain the current level of project related indebtness. The costs have been assessed against the TIFF revenue projections and remain within acceptable limits. Thank you, Miss Combmes. As this is a first reading, there is no action to be taken at this time. However, is there any discussion from councel?

All right, seeing none, we will proceed. Mr. Yung, the last item, please. Item number 15, resolution number R2026-11, a resolution ensuring compliance with the Land and Water Conservation Fund Project 39-0000517 and establishing policy for open space utilization at Lerson Park. First reading.

Thank you, Mr. Yuing. Miss Combmes, the staff report, please. In 1977, the city and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, ODNR, agreed to develop 23 acres of Lerson Park using the Land and Water Conservation Fund, LWCF resources. In 2017, 14 acres were transferred to the Middletown City School District. The city must keep the remaining LWCF designated area open to the public. The city is working with the school district to ensure public access and needs to acknowledge that these requirements are in a formal resolution. Thank you so much. Again, as this is a first reading, there is no action to be taken at this time. However, is there any discussion from council hearing? None. This concludes legislation for the evening. The next item on the agenda is unfinished business. Do any council members have anything they would like to present under unfinished business? Mr.

One thing, Mr. So, in light of a couple things I saw in the consent agenda tonight, I'm wondering where are we at in the hiring of the deputy clerk of court or council, excuse me. Um, may a position we approved for January 1st and I see, you know, we're a little bit behind in in some uh minute approvals and those things. So, are are we anywhere close to getting the person on board to help you out? Mr. Skank, would you like to speak to that?

So, the it is it's been a busy start to the year and so the mayor and I have reviewed the um the job description that was used whenever I was hired back in 2009. And I'm working with um Troy to make sure that the language that's in there as far as the technology is updated before we put the ad um out. So that we are working on it.

Just hopefully I I just would hope we could see that soon because I I I mean you need help. I I'm I'm not complaining or anything. I just want to make sure we move forward with that and get you help so so we can you know make your job a lot easier.

Thank you. And I believe once that's put out, I believe that's up for 30 days uh at that point. So we'll see some movement after about that time. Then we'll have some more people who've applied and can move forward so we can get some updates. Thank you. Anything else under new business or I'm sorry, unfinished business this evening? Right. Hearing none, that concludes uh unfinished business for the evening. The next agenda item is new business. Do any council members have any new business they would like to present this evening?

Mayor, I have a just a few if you'll indulge. Um we discussed at our strategic planning session in February the idea that we may schedule uh off-site meetings around various parts of the city. So, I just if want to just take a poll of council to see if if that's a desire. Um, and then the city manager and staff could could make start making uh arrangements for that because I wouldn't want us to get too far into the year and run out of calendar days to to do that. Certainly. Um, how does council feel about the offsite? We talked about it strategic planning and it sound like everybody was in consensus. Any thoughts? I mean, how many are we talking? Oh, I was just thinking maybe four this year. I don't know. Three or four.

Um, that's what We're going to look to staff to find locations for us. I mean, some of them are seem obvious. They're city-owned properties like uh the community center and the event center. Uh but there could be some schools or church auditoriums uh that we want to use.

Just it I mean being that I've been on both sides of the the thing here, it would create a logistics issue for information systems. If we're going to videotape them, run them live. you we'll have issues there. But I mean I know we used to on the day of uh the national night out. We used to do it in the park that we were having national night out for to me might seem a little cumbersome. Well, the expectation I didn't have the expectation that we broadcast live, you know, I I didn't

I I expect TV trucks to be outside. would be a an issue if you want, you know, your dead set on the council meeting should be live now, you know, because Well, but I'm I'm just I'm not saying that's a why we shouldn't do it. I'm just saying those logistics are some things we really have to look at for staff, right? Because um we we really like having them live. We love having them recorded, but it's not if we it's not um necessary. as long as we have our minutes, we we'd be okay. Um, so that is one of the like the a little bit of a give and take there.

If I may, um, I've talked to information system staff and it wouldn't be a problem. They just need, you know, a day before to kind of get a lay of the land and then, you know, the day of just to be able to set up a little bit early and test everything. So, I mean, we could still do live and even better. Even better.

Well, and and the the basis of it not simply just window dressing. It was just to build better relationships with parts of the community that may not feel uh as connected to counselor staff as as we would like for them to be, but we want to be accessible and um make sure that they feel, you know, part of a unified community. So, and uh second item, mayor, the um the road striping issue comes up uh almost as much as potholes, but um I don't know how to put this in a in an organized request to council, but there's or to council and staff, but if if we could somehow do a better job um maybe repainting roadstripe, it it it comes up to me frequently um through just informal conversations with residents about is there something we can do to paint more often or uh or do a better job with that. And then the the part B of that would be um I think there's certain thoroughares um where they're residential or commercial areas where cars are are being parked on the on the right of way sort of off the street. if we could if we could come up with a plan to to stripe those roads to make on street parking I guess more comfortable for those parking on the street and avoid going into the grass and into the into the ride ofway and on the sidewalks. Uh I think that would aesthetically be better and certainly would comply with parking rules and regulations. Um, so again, I I didn't want to instruct this uh staff to to go about that effort unless council was in agreement.

Yes. Any um comment on that from council? I I agree. Um it definitely is something that comes up quite often as far as safety goes in traffic and driving and I know there's that conversation between painting and then the I think it's the polymer used one that lasts longer. I I always forget the name of the heat one that we use that lasts longer, but I guess that's part of the conversation with cost and things like that as well, but I I I agree with that. Any other comments on that? All right. Anything else, Mr. Mulligan?

One more. Um I had informal conversations with the city manager about uh relocating the bus station, and I know that there's some um there'd be some further inquiry. It's it my understanding is that it's been a discussion at the staff level uh going back several years. Uh but I would like to empower her to to use the time to to figure out what that looks like as far as the cost benefit to the city and if uh if relocating that and finding a new home for it is going to cause us to incur uh expenses or or paying back certain grants. I I still would like to know that number and and how much trouble that would would be. So again, if if council's willing to indulge, that would be a good um question to to find an answer to.

Any discussion from council? You want to turn your Thank you. your microphone. Move it where? Why? What's the interest of movement? Why do we want to move it? Well, some of it um has to me it has to do with the uh the impact that it has on businesses in the downtown district. Is that the best location to serve the writers and also uh to maintain a safe environment for businesses to operate? And so where would you move it? What's Yeah, that I I can't say I I don't know.

Um if I may, um this has been a topic for many years. Um, but through BCRTA, they have the funding through a grant to perform a feasibility study for the city for that very thing to see where might that bus depot be able to locate. So, we confirmed uh today that that grant money is still there. So, if council would like, we can proceed with just having that feasibility study where that that depot might go without, you know, a definitive, but for you guys to be able to review. Yeah, absolutely. Yeah. be

I think information is always good to have. It's not saying that we're doing it definitively, but we want to know what that would look like in case we did, even if it's possible. Um, so yes, I it sounds like there's consensus there. We looked at some places, if you remember, like right around the railroad tracks along Central and University. That might make it a little bit more centrally located to make it easier for people from both sides of town to get to. Um that might free up some space down there and help the downtown business districts. Some

I Yeah, I don't even I it I know we have a presentation coming up on the 21st from the Butler County Transit Authority. Um and they might enlighten us on, you know, is that is that the modern way to operate a bus service is have a a a central station. I don't know. Maybe there's a different way to operate it.

Yeah. And we can ask them to speak on that when they're here um at our next meeting. That would be that would be great. Any other discussion on that item? Any other any other new business this evening? All right. Hearing none, that concludes new business for the evening. And this then concludes our regular city council meeting for Middletown, Ohio, April 7th, 2026 at 7:24 p.m. This meeting is adjourned until Tuesday, April 21st, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. in these chambers for our next regular city council meeting. Thank you and good night. Yeah, me too.