September 21 Meeting Minutes
President Michael Wigle opened the meeting at 7:33 pm at the Elberon United Methodist Church with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by roll call:
√President: Michael Wigle; √Vice President: Patti Hogan; √Rec Secy: Tom Croft; √Corr. Secy.: Tom Gamel; √Treasurer: John Ridder; √Membership Officer: Ginger Boller; √Director: Frank Hollister; √Director: Steve Klatte; √Director: John Lauck; √Director: John Schlagetter; √Director: Jim Turner; √Director: John Wall; √Trustee: Ted Bird, Jr.; √Trustee: Ken Rothman; √Trustee: Blanche Underwood
A quorum was established.
Minutes - Minutes of the June 15, 2009 meeting were approved on a motion by D. Busch/T. Gamel.
John Ridder submitted the treasurer's report:
Beginning Balance: $12,633.98
Memberships:
Interest income: $83.18
Other Income $ 56.48
Subtotal $12,733.64
Less Expenses $ 1,492.93
Ending balance $11,280.71
Reports were submitted by the following committees:
Membership Report: Ginger Boller reported no new members for August. Michael Wigle reminded new members that their $5 annual dues must be paid by the end of this meeting in order to vote in EPHlA's November elections.
Correspondence - Tom Gamel reviewed the most significant items on the correspondence log:
- Check from the City for $3,039.77 Neighborhood Support Program expenses
- $47.96 and $33.72 interest from Warsaw Federal and 5th/3rd Bank
- City Planning notice of community meeting on process for the Comprehensive Plan at Price Hill Recreation Center on 10/5, 6-8 pm
- Notice of hearing on the City's Consolidated Plan/Action Plan (CDBG funds, etc.) at City Council Chambers on 9/24 at 6 pm
Other Reports
- CNBDU Grant for Merchant Parking - Patti Hogan reported that our application was submitted in late spring. The location is the corner of Warsaw and McPherson, across from Meyer Hardware. The Cincinnati Neighborhood Business Districts United (CNBDU) bus tour of proposals, which is part ofthe approval process, is this Saturday.
- Police Dept. - PO Jennifer Dawson of the Dist. 3 Neighborhood Unit noted burglary prevention pamphlets available in the back.
She reviewed District 3 and EPH crime stats, which are available on line at www.crimereports.com. or www.cincinnati-oh.gov in CPD references. She said that there have been recent arrests for drug possession in the 1200 block of Ross. - Fire Dept. - Lt. Harper of Ladder Company #17 reported on fire, non-fire and EMS runs, and inspections by his unit and Engine Company # 17.
- Community Prosecutor - Leslie Hagan of the City Legal Department described a new program focused on building violations.
- Our community prosecutor is Gertrude Dixon at 352-4715 and gertrude.dixonialcincinnati-oh.gov. Survey forms and cards were made available.
- Citizens on Patrol- Ken Rothman said a new class is forming now, and there will be another 12/13-14. See him after the meeting for more info.
- Neighborhood Support Program - Steve Klatte said that Community Development's operation of the program is running more smoothly. To have our 2010 funding available early in the year, he expects to develop a proposal for a vote in October and submission to the City in November. Steve is requesting ideas for the proposal, which will probably be a maximum of $6,775; call 251-5449 or email klatte@peoplepc.com .
- Neighborhood Business District Support Program - Tom Croft said that our first reimbursement voucher will be submitted next week. There is less urgency in developing our 2010 proposal than for NSP since our NBD projects start later. Tom recognized the great work that Steve and Irina Klatte and Wayne and Melisa Densford have done in "adopting" the gateways at Warsaw & Wilder and Warsaw & Glenway.
- Policy & Constitution Committee - Michael Wigle said that this new committee will be chaired by John Schlagetter. It will be reviewing our governance to establish "best practices".
- Price Hill Will - Matt Strauss noted the new PHW offices at 3724 St. Lawrence by China Island. PHW has worked with the Marvin Lewis Foundation to construct a fitness course and improved community garden on Hawthorne next to the PH Rec Center. Bengals players will assist in the volunteer construction work on 10/6. He introduced Emily Horning, who will lead the Beautification Community Action Team. She said that her focus will be on the business corridor, and our ideas are welcome. In response to a question, Matt said that he will follow up on the overgrown weeds at the Eighth and Elberon property they are working to redevelop.
Old Business
Incline Square/City Lights - Tom Gamel, chair of the Housing and Development Committee, said that since the Greater Cincinnati Area Physician's lawsuit against the Health Alliance, the developer has proposed moving ahead with a modified first stage, which will start with a restaurant/beer garden and upscale housing, with the GCAP and other medical offices to come later. Tax Increment Fina ncing (T1F) requested has been greatly reduced to $800,000 from the amount proposed at the time the Planned Development district was approved, and will not include the increased tax base ofthe new Kroger store. A tax abatement of $750,000 is also being sought. The committee has reviewed the proposal and recommends that the General Membership support it. Motion by T. Gamel/K. Rothman passed unanimously.
New Business
Day Care at 912 Enright - Mary Walker, resident and proprietor is seeking to expand from Type B provider to Type A, which would permit her to serve up to 12 children. She described her experience, qualifications and home. She is seeking EPHIA's support. D. Busch/J. Schlagetter made a motion. In discussion, it became evident that more information on zoning requirements was needed to reach a decision. T. Gamel! P. Hogan motion to refer this to Housing & Development' Committee was approved.
Announcements
- Felix Bere of the City's Planning Dept. discussed initial work on the new Comprehensive Plan. Neighborhood meetings to gather ideas will be held, including one 10/5 at PH Rec Center 6-8 pm. He distributed information and forms to indicate areas of interest.
- Vicki Schumaker of Cincinnati Parks was assigned to the West side this year. She described work at Mt. Echo, including renewal of plantings along the wall by Elberon, and the hiking trails in Wilson Commons.
- Patti Hogan announced that "Make a Difference Day" will be 10/24 from 10 am to 1 pm. More details will be forthcoming. She asked for a show of hands by those willing to volunteer.
- MRDD - Representatives of the Hamilton County Board of the Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities discussed the work of their agency and the levy on the November ballot.
A motion to adjourn by K. Rothman/Blanche Underwood was approved at 8:45 pm.
Tom Croft, Secretary