Council Meeting

MINUTES OF MEETING INDIAN HILL VILLAGE COUNCIL April 21, 2025 A meeting of the Indian Hill Village Council was held on April 21, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting was held in the Council Chamber of the Village Administration building. Council present: Mr. Stephen H. Krehbiel, Mayor Mr. Richard J. Hidy, Vice Mayor Mr. Andrew A. Byer, Council member Mr. Shayne O Manning, Council member Mrs. Pat Stern, Council member Council absent: Mr. Jeffrey G. Gibson, Council member Mrs. Elizabeth C. Isphording, Council member Staff present: Ms. TaraLyn M. Riordan, City Clerk of Council Mr. Scott D. Phillips, City Solicitor Ms. Dina C. Minneci, City Manager Mr. Jon West, Assistant City Manager Mrs. Jessica Chaney, City Director of Administrative Services Mr. Ron Freson, City Water Works Superintendent Mr. Ed Shannon, Captain, Indian Hill Rangers Police Dept. Mr. Caleb Kaminsky, Ranger, Indian Hill Rangers Police Dept. Visitors Present: Mr. Robert Kaminsky, 6355 Corbly Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45230 Ms. Carrie Minton, 2385 Whitmer Rd, Batavia OH 45103 Ms. Janet Crawford, 10150 Montgomery Rd, Montgomery, OH 45242 Mr. Matt Moore, 5903 Hawthorne Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45227 1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Council opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. 2. CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL: The Pledge was followed by Mayor Krehbiel’s call to order and a roll call by Clerk Riordan. 3. COUNCIL MINUTES: The minutes of the regular meeting of March 17, 2025 had previously been distributed to each Council member. Upon confirming that no Council members had submitted change requests to City Manager Minneci, Mayor Krehbiel declared the minutes accepted as issued. 4. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION: Captain Shannon introduced newly-hired Ranger Caleb Kaminsky, who joined Indian Hill from Evendale Police Department (and Fairfax before Evendale). Ranger Kaminsky and his family were present for his Ceremonial Swearing-In by Mayor Krehbiel. After officially taking the oath of office, Ranger Kaminsky was congratulated by Council and others in attendance, including but not limited to, Ranger Kaminsky’s family and a large showing of support from Indian Hill’s Police Department. A photographer was also present, taking photos for the Indian Hill Village Schools. 5. EXECUTIVE SESSION: Mayor Krehbiel requested a motion to go into Executive Session for the purpose of conferencing with attorney for public body concerning disputes involving it that are subject of pending or imminent court action. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Hidy, and passed by unanimous roll call vote (5-0). Council then entered into Executive Session. Council returned from Executive Session. Minutes of Council Meeting April 21, 2025 Page 2 6. FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT: Council member Byer reported that the Finance Committee met on April 16, 2025. He then directed Council’s attention to the complete meeting minutes in the Council Meeting Packet. (See memo titled, “Finance Committee Meeting” alongside the March 31, 2025 financial statements prepared by Comptroller Sewell.) Council member Byer then delivered the following March financial highlights: a. Income Tax Receipts: The Village received just under $500,000, which is approximately $48,000 more than received in March, 2024. Year to date cash receipts are 8.1% of budget. As April is the big month for income tax receipts, we expect a better-read next month. b. Operating Disbursements: Operating expenditures equate to $1,214,000, which is approximately $46,000 more than March, 2024. c. CIRF: Disbursements totaled slightly more than $85,000 with expenditures including equipment for waste collection and street repair. d. Water Works Receipts: Water usage receipts were just under $293,000, which is approximately $18,000 more than in March, 2024. The surcharges requested by the municipal leadership of Madeira, Terrace Park and Hamilton County for Indian Hill Water Works to invoice, collect and transmit back to these municipalities have been placed in separate funds for accounting purposes. e. Water Works Disbursements: Total operating disbursements were just over $600,000 which is approximately $43,000 more than March, 2024, with the difference due to timing of payments. f. Water Works CRF: No disbursements were recorded in March, 2025. g. Long Term Debt: No payments were made in March, 2025. h. Cash and Investments: Total month end cash and investments were $47.4 million, down $300,000 from February, 2025 and up from $44.8 million in March, 2024. i. Rowe Funds: Reviewed with nothing material to report j. Green Areas Funds: Reviewed with nothing material to report. While closing his remarks, Council member Byer noted that the Finance Committee agreed with the Water Works Committee’s recommendation for an 8% water rate increase beginning July 1, 2025. He further noted that this rate is for all customers of Indian Hill Water Works (e.g. Indian Hill, Madeira, Terrace Park, Hamilton County, etc.) Background on this recommended rate increase may be found in the Water Works Committee Report. 7. LAW COMMITTEE REPORT: Vice Mayor Hidy reported that the Law Committee met on April 10, 2025, and directed Council’s attention to detailed minutes in the memo titled, “Law Committee Meeting” (included in the Council Meeting Packet). Vice Mayor Hidy then provided the following Law Committee updates: a. The Committee agreed to proceed with a third and final reading, plus recommended approval of, the Ordinance amending Chapter 133 of the Codified Ordinances (Offenses against persons). Ordinance 03-25 was included in the Council Meeting Packet. b. The Committee agreed to proceed with a third and final reading, plus recommended approval of, the Ordinance amending Chapter 11 of the Codified Ordinances (Publication Regulations). Ordinance 04-25 was included in the Council Meeting Packet. c. The Committee agreed to present a second reading of the Ordnance amending Section 152 (Land Use Plan) of the Codified Ordinances. Ordinance 05-25 was included in the Council Meeting Packet. d. On motion, with Council present, the Committee convened into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the monthly legal activity report that includes conducting a conference with an attorney for the public body concerning disputes involving the public Minutes of Council Meeting April 21, 2025 Page 3 body that are the subject of pending or imminent court action. Once discussions were completed, the Law Committee exited their Executive Session. Following his Committee report, Vice Mayor Hidy then presented the third and final reading, plus recommended approval, of Ordinance 03-25: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 133 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF THE VILLAGE OF INDIAN HILL REGARDING OFFENSES AGAINST PERSONS Council member Byer seconded the recommendation, and the Ordinance passed by unanimous roll call vote (5-0). Ordinance 03-25 was then enacted. Vice Mayor Hidy then presented the third and final reading, plus recommended approval, of Ordinance 04-25: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 11 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF THE VILLAGE OF INDIAN HILL REGARDING PUBLICATION REGULATIONS Council member Manning seconded the recommendation, and the Ordinance passed by unanimous roll call vote (5-0). Ordinance 04-25 was then enacted. Vice Mayor Hidy concluded by presenting the second reading of Ordinance 05-25: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 152 OF THE CITY OF THE VILLAGE OF INDIAN HILL CODE OF ORDINANCES (LAND USE PLAN) 8. BUILDINGS & GROUNDS COMMITTEE REPORT: Council member Byer reported that the Buildings and Grounds Committee met on April 15, 2025 to review several items in advance of the Council meeting. He then directed Council’s attention to a memo titled, “Buildings and Grounds Committee Meeting”, contained within Council’s meeting packet. Council member Byer proceeded to highlight key points for Council’s awareness, beginning with updates on routine maintenance completed on facilities, green areas, parks, bridle trails and recreational fields. He emphasized that this work, though labeled as routine, is important work, as it ensures that facilities meet both resident expectations and operability needs of Village employees working at Village facilities. Council member Byer cited fertilization that occurred at all buildings and grounds locations; the preparation of parks for Spring activities; and repairs at Livingston Lodge as examples of such maintenance which occurred in March, 2025. Council member Byer proceeded to report that: a. Across an array of project work there is continuous progress and on-track timing, with one specific follow-up being pursued for South Given stream restoration repairs via the Village Solicitor with Beavercreek Hydrology’s insurance provider. b. The Indian Hill Shooting Club: leadership reviewed the club’s current and projected financial status and proposed five-year strategic plan. The strategic plan includes additional investments in the areas of facility capital maintenance, safety enhancements and improved noise mitigation. The executive board indicated that club membership and usage is trending downward resulting in a negative financial position in future years. After discussion, the committee accepted the shooting club's recommendation that a specific number of additional non-resident members may be admitted on a pilot basis in 2025. Mrs. Minecci and Mr. Steuerwald will review and assess the financial and other impacts of this pilot program over the next several months to determine its viability. Council member Byer then commended Gun Club leadership. Minutes of Council Meeting April 21, 2025 Page 4 c. Stephan Park basketball court: a group of residents desire to bring back a full court basketball court at Stefan Park, as the prior basketball court was repurposed for pickle ball. Resolution 06-25 has been drafted requesting the ability to apply for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) grant for the installation of a replacement basketball court and rehabilitation of existing tennis courts at Stephan Park. Resolution 06-25 was included in the Council Meeting Packet. d. Recreation Commission: Ordinance 06-25 to amend chapter 33.10 of the Codified Ordinances regarding the Recreation Commission was presented to allow the Recreation Commission to accept a non-resident member, who has a child both actively enrolled at Cincinnati Country Day and in the Rec Commission's programming. Ordinance 06-25 was included in the Council Meeting Packet. Council member Byer then made a motion to approve Resolution 06-25: RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF THE VILLAGE OF INDIAN HILL, OHIO TO PREPARE AND SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ODNR NATUREWORKS GRANT PROGRAM AND TO EXECUTE CONTRACTS AS REQUIRED Council member Manning seconded, the motion passed by unanimous voice vote (5-0), and Resolution 06-25 was approved. Council member Byer then presented the first reading of Ordinance 06-25: ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 33.10 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF THE VILLAGE OF INDIAN HILL REGARDING ESTABLISHMENT, POWERS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE RECREATION COMMISSION 9. PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE REPORT: Council member Stern reported that the Public Works Committee met on April 15, 2025 to review several items in advance of the Council meeting. She then directed Council’s attention to a memo titled, “Public Works Committee Report” contained within Council’s meeting packet. Council member Stern then proceeded to present the Public Works’ Departmental Activity Report highlights. She also noted that a complete copy of the Report is included in the Council Meeting Packet. The Departmental Activity Report highlights included: a. Cleaned and inspected catch basins, gutters, and pipes along Village roadways b. Removed honeysuckle and dead trees along Camp Road c. Repaired the Guardrail and berm on Camargo d. Tree work performed on several streets throughout the Village e. Continued GIS mapping of Village storm water system f. Fourteen snow events totaling 27.75” of snow fall and 1,409 tons of salt dispersed YTD Council member Stern concluded by presenting the Public Works’ Project Management Report highlights and noting that a complete copy of the Report is included in the Council Meeting Packet. The Project Management Report highlights included: a. Street Resurfacing Program: Preconstruction meeting was held. Program is as follows: • April 7 – layout markings • April 14 – curb replacement • April 21 – culvert and catch basin repair • May 19 – road milling Minutes of Council Meeting April 21, 2025 Page 5 • June 9 – asphalt surfacing b. Varner Road: Soil borings and field data were collected. Lab analysis is underway. Staff is monitoring the site during rainstorms. 10. WATER WORKS COMMITTEE & UTILITY DEREGULATION COMMITTEE REPORT: Council member Manning reported that the Water Works Committee met on April 15, 2025 to review several items in advance of the Council meeting. He then directed Council’s attention to detailed minutes contained within a memo titled, “Water Works Committee Meeting” included in the Council Meeting Packet. Since all Council members attended this instrumental Committee meeting, Council member Manning referred Council to the Departmental Activity Report without detailing the various water main breaks, fire hydrant flushing and similar activity. Likewise, he referred Council to the Project Management Report which focused on the Water Tower, two Town Hall meetings and PFAS. (Both the Departmental Activity and Project Management Reports were included in the Council Meeting Packet.) Council member Manning went into further detail on Resolution 07-25 and Ordinance 07-25: a. Staff presented a Resolution to authorize the City Manager to appropriate funds for necessary modifications to the water tower overflow pipe in an amount not to exceed $50,000. After the discussion, the Committee agreed to recommend approval. Resolution 07-25 was included in the Council Meeting Packet. b. The Committee continued its water rate analysis from last month. The Committee reviewed the budgetary effects of implementing different water rate increases to determine what is needed to efficiently run the Water Works Department. The recommended rate increase will be read over the next three Council meetings. Ordinance 07-25 was included in the Council Meeting Packet. Council member Manning then made a motion to approve Resolution 07-25: RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS FOR WATER TOWER MODIFICATIONS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $50,000.00 Council member Byer seconded, the motion passed by unanimous voice vote (5-0), and Resolution 07-25 was approved. Council member Manning then made a motion to approve Resolution 08-25: RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE A PROGRAM AGREEMENT WITH A GAS GENERATION SUPPLIER FOR SUPPLYING NATURAL GAS TO PARTICIPANTS IN THE CITY OF THE VILLAGE OF INDIAN HILL GOVERNMENTAL AGGREGATION PROGRAM Council member Stern seconded, the motion passed by unanimous voice vote (5-0), and Resolution 08-25 was approved. Council member Manning then presented the first reading of Ordinance 07-25: AN ORDINANCE INCREASING RATES BY EIGHT PERCENT (8%) TO BE CHARGED FOR WATER SUPPLIED TO CUSTOMERS BY AMENDING SECTION 51.55 RATES OF THE CITY OF THE VILLAGE OF INDIAN HILL, OHIO CODE OF ORDINANCES Minutes of Council Meeting April 21, 2025 Page 6 11. PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE REPORT: Mayor Krehbiel reported that the Public Safety Committee met on April 10, 2025. He then shared the following updates with Council: a. Chief Oughterson presented the Madeira & Indian Hill Joint Fire District (MIGJFD) Fire/EMS reports (included in the Council Meeting Packet): • EMS had 353 runs in March. • The District assisted with two fire instances in Loveland. • ISO results were published, and the District remains at a three rating on a scale where one is the best. ISO ratings affect insurance rates for residential and business customers in the entire District. b. Chief Dressell gave an overview of the Rangers’ monthly case report (included in the Council Meeting Packet). c. Chief Dressell also indicated that the annual Indian Hill Rangers Hockey Tournament will be taking place April 23rd-26th at the Indian Hill Winter Club. The charity event will benefit three public safety personnel. He also highlighted the Rangers and MIHJFD’s participation in the Village’s Easter Egg Hunt. 12. PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT: Council member Manning noted that the Village of Indian Hill Planning Commission met on April 16, 2025. The discussion centered on two items: a. Recommended approval of a variance to construct a second story addition over the first floor of a non-conforming house. However, a variance request to construct a two-car garage in the street side yard was denied. The three-acre property located at 7805 Brill Road is already non-conforming, and the proposed garage would be even closer to the set-back. b. Recommended conditional approval of the Preliminary Plat for Phase 3 of Twin Fences at Peterloon Farm Subdivision. 13. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT: City Manager Minneci shared the following with Council: a. One more Community Engagement Town Hall is scheduled for May 14, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in the Indian Hill High School Auditorium. b. Key 2025 Dates: • April 26 at 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Rowe Arboretum Plant Sale (Rowe Arboretum) • May 23 at 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Meet the Fleet (Livingston Lodge) • June 8 at 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. - New Resident Open House (Livingston Lodge) • August 8 at dusk - Movie Night in the Park (Stephan Park) After elaborating upon the events listed above, City Manager Minneci invited Council to tour the Administration Building following the evening’s meeting. She then concluded by thanking Sarah Fink and Steve Hilmer for their efforts organizing the well-attended Easter Egg Hunt. 14. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before Council, Mayor Krehbiel declared the meeting adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Stephen H. Krehbiel, Mayor ATTEST: TaraLyn M. Riordan, Clerk