M I N U T E S
The Village of Evendale
Regular Council Meeting
April 14, 2005
The Village of Evendale held a Public Discussion Session prior to the Regularly Scheduled Council Meeting. Mrs. Dover addressed Council. She inquired into the properties on Inwood Drive and why nine properties are non-conforming. She stated that the zoning of the first 100 feet were changed from commercial to residential by ordinance yet it shows on the map as commercial. Mayor Apking suggested that she meet with Jack Cameron to look through her documents and report back to council by next month. She wants to know if the nine properties on Inwood are conforming or non-conforming.
The Village of Evendale held its Regular Council Meeting. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Don Apking. Upon roll call, the following council members were present: Mr. Bill Puthoff, Jr., Mr. Stiney Vonderhaar, Mr. Jeff Albrinck, Mr. Chris Schaefer, and Mrs. Carolyn Smiley-Robertson. Mrs. Catherine Hartman was absent and excused due to illness. Also present were: Recreation Director, Dave Nichols; Assistant to the Mayor, Jack Cameron; Chief Fiscal Officer, George Snyder; Fire Chief, John Vail; Village Engineer, James Jeffers; Public Works Director, Joe Wiehe; Village Solicitor, Tim Burke, and Village Clerk, Michelle Ficke.
Mayor Apking presented the consent calendar. Mayor Apking asked for a motion to accept the consent calendar consisting of March 10, 2005 Council Meeting Minutes; CFO Report for March, 2005; Tax Administrator’s Reports for March, 2005; current Departmental Reports. There was no Treasurer’s Report for March, 2005. Mrs. Smiley-Robertson pointed out a few typographical errors and duplicated word corrections to the March 10, 2005 minutes. She also made a motion to change the word “surplus” to “contingency” in the first paragraph. Mr. Schaefer seconded the motion to accept the changes to the March 10 minutes and it was unanimously approved. A motion to accept the consent calendar as amended was made by Mr. Vonderhaar seconded Mr. Puthoff and unanimously approved on roll call.
Mr. Albrinck gave the Finance Report. He reported that revenues last month were $1.9 million dollars and expenses of $1.3 million dollars. The receipts were a little higher than expected because of an unexpected check from General Electric. We have $11 million invested through Fifth Third with an average yield of just over 3.1%.
Mr. Schaefer stated that his Council Committee met and they had a fairly extensive meeting and that the minutes are on line at www.evendaleohio.org. Carolyn Smiley-Robertson said that several people attended an Investment conference in Wilmington and assured council that the things that we did concerning our investment policy were confirmed and that we are doing the right things. She also learned that it would be helpful to include graphic reports as well when reporting finances.
Jeff Ficke gave the Gorman Heritage Farm Report. They will be reporting to council on a quarterly basis. He reported that Gary Goosman and his staff have done an excellent job of facility improvements including enclosing the patio area of the interpretive building to expand education classrooms. They have cleared the ground in front of the interpretive building so that the farm can be seen from Reading Road and they have repaired fencing on the farm. There are more animals on the farm including sixteen new lambs and two kids. Council was given a one page financial report itemizing the revenues for the first quarter with a breakdown of the cost details. Twenty-five percent of the revenues from the first quarter are from non-Evendale sources including memberships, donations, admission and summer camp registrations. Shear Fest took place the
first weekend in April and the first weekend of each month includes a major event at the farm. Over 1100 people attended the Shear Fest and it grossed over $9,000 in income. Summer camps are in full swing with registration currently taking place. It has been advertised in the Enquirer in the Camp Fest promotion that was run, fliers to schools and in Cincinnati Weekly. Twelve organizations are using the farm as a meeting place now including a 4-H group, a quilting group, Hamilton County Environmental Group, Cincinnati State upper management, several horticulture groups and non-profit groups. They are reaching out to businesses and non-profits to come hold meetings, take a walk and have lunch at the farm. Gorman Farm has its own website that includes every event at the farm and is updated regularly. Two other major events coming up are a Culinary Event in early August with chefs coming in to prepare dishes using the produce from the farm and the Sunflower Festival in early October.
The Board has been updating the bi-laws for the Gorman Heritage Farm Foundation and expanding the board. Barb Rohs is now president of the board as of Monday, April 11th and Jeff Ficke will stay involved with the board as well to spearhead the endowment program. They are also trying to establish five subcommittees to involve more people in planning and development. Volunteers are welcome and always needed to make the farm a success.
Bill Puthoff said someone made the comment to him that there could have been more signage for Shear Fest along Reading Road. Bill Puthoff stated that Catherine Hartman commented that there is a concern regarding endowments because that is what will support the farm in the long run. Jeff Ficke recognized the need to focus on endowments and said that with the improvements in the facility that Gary focused on this past year being complete that they can now focus on endowments. Doug Lohmeier asked in there are still chicken fryers sold at the farm. Gary Goosman said there will be thirty to forty fryers available in a few weeks and that you must reserve one by calling the farm at 563-6663.
Michael Tonesmeyer spoke about the open house that was held on April 13th regarding the Retirement Lodge at Evendale that he is proposing for the Churchill property. There were 125 people representing 100 households at the open house. Twelve people were interested in reserving a place at the Lodge. The most interest was with two bedroom or more units. Questions raised at the open house included: concerns about multi-family zoning; Section 8 housing; how much they would purchase the land for; can Evendale residents get priority in reserving a unit. Mayor Apking asked Mr. Tonesmeyer to keep council informed on how much interest there is among the residents. Mrs. Smiley-Robertson asked that Mr. Tonesmeyer provide council with a written synopsis of the outcome of the open forum. She also asked when Planning Commission becomes involved. Mr.
Schaefer stated that the sale of the land could go through CIC. Rezoning or approving a planned business overlay would go through Planning Commission. There would be public hearings before Planning Commission and then Council. It is a long process.
A national service was used to get household income information that Mr. Tonesmeyer presented. Mayor Apking said that council needs feedback and will have an answer of whether or not to move forward with this project by May council meeting. Mr. Tonesmeyer will meet with the Romeos, Red Hat Society and Meet and Greet groups within the Village to disseminate more information about the Retirement Lodge to more people within the Village.
Mrs. Smiley-Robertson pointed out that the presentation was to begin at the open house at 7:00 and it began before 7:00. She also stated that having another information night on another day might help to gather more feedback. Mayor Apking said council must consider was is best for the Village.
Mayor Apking presented Ordinance #05-14, ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACQUIRE ON BEHALF OF THE VILLAGE OF EVENDALE, THE PROPERTY AT 3047 INWOOD DRIVE OWNED BY BRUCE T. KOEHN TRUSTEE, (THE CLARA J. SANDY LIVING TRUST) AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. This was the second reading of the ordinance. Mrs. Smiley-Robertson thanked Mr. Albrinck and Mr. Puthoff for making it a first reading only at the last council meeting by voting no. There were some restrictions that were not seen by council to confirm what we can or cannot do with the property. For example, can we use this property to gain access to the eighteen acres behind it or use it for alternative residential housing? She was not ready to take action on it tonight and stated that since the closing date must be by May 16th and the next council meeting is May 12th, council has some time to
research the specific restrictions that are attached to the property on Inwood.
Mayor Apking stated that he thought it was a good move for the Village of Evendale. Mrs. Smiley-Robertson was concerned about paying more than the appraisal amount for the property. She stated that when you go above the appraised amount you have to have compelling reasons to pay the premium to secure the property. On Reading Road we are trying to do something specific with the corridor, however, I’m not sure that the Inwood property exactly fits the same rationale as property on Reading Road. Tim Burke is to research the restrictions on the property and report back to council. Mr. Puthoff asked to see a current map of the properties. Jack will provide the map. Tim Burke stated that the words “William J. Gordon” be struck from Section I of Ordinance 05-14. A motion to amend the Ordinance 05-14 as suggested was made by
Mr. Schaefer, seconded by Mr. Vonderhaar and unanimously approved on roll call. A motion to read Ordinance 05-14 by title only was made by Mr. Vonderhaar, seconded by Mrs. Smiley-Robertson and unanimously approved on roll call. Mayor Apking declared this the Second Reading of Ordinance #05-14.
Mayor Apking presented Ordinance #05-16, ORDINANCE CHANGING THE TITLE TO CHAPTER 1420, ADOPTING SECTION 1420.06, PENALTY, OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE VILLAGE OF EVENDALE AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. A motion to read Ordinance #05-16 by title only was made by Mrs. Smiley-Robertson, seconded by Mr. Albrinck and unanimously approved on roll call. A motion to suspend the second and third readings of Ordinance #05-16 was made by Mr. Vonderhaar, seconded by Mr. Albrinck and unanimously approved on roll call. A motion to adopt Ordinance #05-16 as an emergency was made by Mr. Vonderhaar, seconded by Mr. Albrinck and unanimously approved on roll call. Mayor Apking declared Ordinance #05-16 adopted as an emergency. This ordinance added a penalty section to the building code.
Mayor Apking presented Ordinance #05-17A, ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 258.147, TELEPHONE USE, OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE VILLAGE OF EVENDALE AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. A motion to read Ordinance #05-17A by title only was made by Mr. Puthoff, seconded by Mr. Vonderhaar and unanimously approved on roll call. A motion to suspend the second and third readings of Ordinance #05-17A was made by Mrs. Smiley-Robertson, seconded by Mr. Vonderhaar and unanimously approved on roll call. A motion to adopt Ordinance #05-17A as an emergency was made by Mrs. Smiley-Robertson, seconded by Mr. Puthoff and unanimously approved on roll call. Mayor Apking declared Ordinance #05-17A adopted as an emergency.
Mayor Apking presented Ordinance #05-18, ORDINANCE REVISING AND ESTABLISHING A PART-TIME SALARY SCHEDULE FOR VILLAGE OF EVENDALE EMPLOYEES AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. Mrs. Smiley-Robertson made a motion to amend Ordinance #05-18 by stating “Part-time/Seasonal” in the title and throughout the ordinance every time “part-time” is stated. The motion was seconded by Mr. Schaefer and unanimously approved. Tim Burke noted that the chart they received tonight which is Exhibit I to the Ordinance #05-18 should replace the chart that was in their packets. A motion to read Ordinance #05-18 by title only as amended was made by Mr. Puthoff, seconded by Mr. Albrinck and unanimously approve on roll call. A motion to suspend the second and third readings of amended Ordinance #05-18 was made by Mrs. Smiley-Robertson, seconded by
Mr. Puthoff and unanimously approved on roll call. A motion to adopt Ordinance #05-18 as amended was made by Mr. Albrinck seconded by Mr. Puthoff and unanimously approved on roll call. Mayor Apking declared Ordinance #-05-18 adopted as an emergency.
Other Items included:
Doug Lohmeier addressed council concerning the Evendale Lodge. He feels that it would improve the community, however, he asked council to consider the investment and the return on the investment and the long-term value to the Village.
Gordon Geraci asked for an update on Anchor Development. Jack Cameron stated that he met with Anchor today to discuss the first submittal for the planned business development design review and specs which will be submitted to the Planning Commission in May. Roadways and utilities will be included in this first plan. Mayor Apking stated that they have not signed the two big tenants yet. Anchor has extended their option from May to September. There is a meeting with Anchor on the grave relocation on April 15th.
Mr. Vonderhaar stated that he is getting complaints about parking during events at the center. Mr. Puthoff suggested the flattest and closest place to add parking would be at the Civic Center. Handicapped parking space availability was addressed. Mayor Apking asked Service Director, Joe Wiehe to make all eight spaces in front of the Recreation Center handicap spaces.
Mrs. Smiley-Robertson presented the Items for Resolution chart to track items that council raises that need to be resolved. There was lengthy discussion concerning what is council’s responsibility versus planning commission. The resolution date was also discussed. It was determined that a resolution date should be added to the chart but could be changed and extended as needed.
Mrs. Smiley-Robertson also clarified that the Evendale Government Day that she discussed with them in committee meetings did not entail students coming to the council meeting as she had thought. Government Day is actually a day set to stage a mock council meeting. Carolyn and the Mayor will discuss this.
Mrs. Smiley-Robertson also stated that the Reading Road Revitalization Plan is to be reviewed every six months as recommended in council’s Executive Summary and that May will be the six month mark. She recommended council review this.
There being no other business to come before Council, a motion to adjourn as made by Mr. Vonderhaar, seconded by Mr. Albrinck and unanimously approved on roll call. Council adjourned at 8:35 pm.
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Mayor
Attest:
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Village Clerk
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