Council Meeting

MINUTES OF MEETING INDIAN HILL VILLAGE COUNCIL September 15, 2025 A meeting of the Indian Hill Village Council was held on September 15, 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. Jeffrey G. Gibson, Council member Mrs. Elizabeth C. Isphording, Council member Mr. Shayne O Manning, Council member Council absent: Mrs. Pat Stern, 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 Ms. Cindy Klopfenstein, City Engineer / Project Manager Staff absent: Mrs. Monique A. Sewell, City Comptroller Visitors present: Mr. Nick Bagnoli, 7880 Brill Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45243 Rep. Rachel Baker, Ohio Statehouse, 77 S. High St, Columbus, OH 43215 Mr. Jim Barber, 7700 Chumani Ln, Cincinnati, OH 45243 Mrs. Molly Barber, 7700 Chumani Ln, Cincinnati, OH 45243 Mr. Larry Bennett, 7310 Drake Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45243 Mr. Kim Burke, 6750 Camaridge Ln, Cincinnati, OH 45243 Mr. Joseph J Carroll, 6265 Hunters Trail, Cincinnati, OH 45243 Ms. Yasmin El-Jabsheh, 6155 Hunters Trail, Cincinnati, OH 45243 Mr. Karl Grafe, 8345 Arapaho Ln, Cincinnati, OH 45243 Mrs. Mary Guanciale, 7895 Shawnee Run Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45243 Mr. Scott Harsh, 6215 Hunters Trail, Cincinnati, OH 45243 Mr. Dennis Janson, 9524 Cunningham Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45243 Mr. John Krinks, 1076 Pennsylvania Ave, Columbus, OH 43201 Mr. Bob Lindner Jr., 4585 Drake Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45243 Mr. Brad Lindner, 8835 Old Indian Hill Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45243 Mr. David Lindner, 7535 Given Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45243 Ms. Jill Lindner, 7445 Old Hickory Ln, Cincinnati, OH 45243 Ms. Marla Morse, 7847 Shawnee Run Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45243 Mr. Donald Muller, 5845 Graves Lake Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45243 Mr. Joe Rhodenbaugh, 8155 Indian Hill Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45243 Mrs. Buffie Rixey, 7195 Given Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45243 Mr. Eppa Rixey, 7195 Given Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45243 Ms. Amanda Seifert, 7200 Miami Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45243 Mrs. Ellen Slattery, 7855 Shawnee Run Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45243 Ms. Christin Spurr, 6435 Hunters Trail, Cincinnati, OH 45243 Mr. Kevin Whitham, 6155 Hunters Trail, Cincinnati, OH 45243 Mr. Rob Zimmerman, 8180 North Clippinger Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45243 1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Krehbiel opened the Council meeting by leading 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 August 18, 2025 had previously been distributed to each Council member. City Manager Minneci confirmed grammatical changes that had already been adopted by Clerk Riordan, and Mayor Krehbiel declared the minutes accepted. Minutes of Council Meeting September 15, 2025 Page 2 4. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION: a. REPRESENTATIVE RACHEL BAKER Mayor Krehbiel opened the citizen participation portion of the meeting by introducing Representative Rachel Baker of House District 27. Representative Baker proceeded to update Council on all that is happening at Ohio’s State House. Most notably, she spoke to pending Congressional redistricting, property tax reform and marijuana law reviews. She explained that each of these topics are to be addressed by November, 2025. Given the pace and significance of these three topics, Representative Baker committed to being accessible and to reaching out in real-time, should detrimental impacts seem possible for the Village and its residents (especially regarding property tax reform). Council member Gibson took the opportunity to applaud Representative Baker’s Newsletter. Before closing her remarks, Representative Baker addressed specific questions about the three topics identified above. b. CINCINNATI PUBLIC LIBRARY Mayor Krehbiel then introduced Ms. Amanda Seifert, Youth Librarian at the Cincinnati Public Library’s Madeira Branch (serving the Indian Hill, Kenwood and Madeira communities). Ms. Seifert first provided a view into resources available for students and educators followed by a lens into the library’s key areas of focus for 2026: literacy, workforce development and celebrating America250 (throughout Ohio and particularly in Cincinnati). She specifically cited book availability, volunteer opportunities, reading buddies, story time, a therapy dog, plus job seeker and educator resources intended to help the community achieve the first two goals/initiatives set forth for 2026. Ms. Seifert also mentioned a fun costume celebration (planned for October 25th), and the Stern Lecture (planned for October 6th). The Stern lecture will feature two-time Pulitzer Prize- winning journalist and best-selling author, Nicholas Kristof. The Madeira Branch will also be hosting a discussion about Mr. Krostof’s book, Chasing Hope. Before advancing the agenda, Council member Stern inquired (via telephone) when the Symmes Township Library is scheduled to be completed. Ms. Seifert was not able to confirm a date for Council member Stern. However, she did mention that the nearby Mariemont Branch would be completed prior to the Symmes Branch. c. GENERAL The Mayor respectfully asked all visitors wishing to speak during Citizen Participation to please keep their comments brief (preferably no more than three minutes) and where possible, to please avoid repetition. Mayor Krehbiel further requested that speakers raise their hand and wait to be called upon. At which time, visitors should state their name and street address for the record before addressing questions to Council. 5. WORK SESSION: Simultaneous to opening the General Citizen Participation section of the meeting, Mayor Krehbiel explained that last month, AECOM presented the first of a two-part project assigned to it by Council – the GIS desktop analysis evaluating possible water tower sites within the Village based on professional standards. Noting that the presentation and associated documents are available on the Village website. Minutes of Council Meeting September 15, 2025 Page 3 Mayor Krehbiel explained that tonight, AECOM will be presenting the second part of the project assigned to it by Council – a feasibility study which evaluates various options using the current water tower site on Miami. Similar to last month, AECOM’s presentation is for Council’s consideration and AECOM will only field questions that come from Council members. Mayor Krehbiel then introduced Mr. John Krinks, Technical Water Leader of AECOM. Prior to Mr. Krinks’ update, Mr. David Lindner, of 7535 Given Road, addressed Council. Mr. Lindner opened by commending Village staff for performing their jobs so impressively, paying particular credit to the Village Rangers and other public service professionals. Mr. Lindner then expressed concerns pertaining to the water tower location, and questioned the rationale behind criteria set forth in AECOM’s GIS study (presented last month). While acknowledging that most residents would prefer to not see a water tower from their doorstep (or when driving by), Mr. Lindner concluded that a tower placed in a less visible location, similar to the cell tower surrounded by trees on Shawnee Road, would be preferrable to the majority of residents. With this in mind, he inquired why a site that was both heavily treed and relatively farther away from a road would score less favorably in AECOM prior analysis. In Mr. Lindner’s opinion, the tree cover and water main distance criteria were being viewed incorrectly. He argued that a higher degree of forestation and a farther water main distance should both be preferrable to their opposites. Mayor Krehbiel explained that long distances were viewed negatively due to cost. Mr. Krinks confirmed that cost was one consideration, but that hydraulics had an even stronger influence upon the correlation of negative scores and farther distances. Mr. Krinks also cited the “Trees not Tower” citizen campaign, plus the risk that would occur to endangered species if heavily forested areas were cleared to make way for a water tower. Lastly, he pointed out that the average tree is not tall enough to mask a 140-foot tower. At this point in the meeting, City Solicitor, Scott Phillips noted a diversion from Council’s intended Agenda and process. Mr. Phillips reminded Mayor Krehbiel that Mr. Krinks was in attendance to present to Council, and that he was not there to participate in a citizen Q&A. Should audience members wish to ask questions of AECOM, then they may address questions to the Mayor, for future evaluation and discussion. Vice Mayor Hidy assured Mr. Lindner’s that his perspective was understood. He then reminded the audience of the transparency that they are provided into the decision process, and confirmed that no final decision has yet been made. Jill Lindner, of 7445 Old Hickory Lane, then addressed Council. Ms. Lindner asked about the possibility of using the Grob property, challenging whether a water tower could be placed on this open space that has been historically designated as an agricultural area. Mayor Krehbiel clarified that the objective of AECOM’s analyses was to identify possible locations for the water tower, not decide which one was right or wrong. He then confirmed receipt of a letter that had been dropped off by former Indian Hill Mayor, Mr. Eppa Rixey. This letter was written by Mr. Robert Edmiston, President of Turner Farm, and signed by numerous community members. It voiced concerns similar to those expressed by Ms. Lindner. There being no further questions from the audience, Mayor Krehbiel invited Mr. Krinks to update Council on AECOM’s Miami Road Site Evaluation (part two of the project assigned by Council). Mr. Krinks began by clarifying the main objective of AECOM’s second study (i.e. to explore the possibility of modifying and/or replacing the existing water tower) and jumping to the conclusion that the water tower may be able to stay on Miami Road. Minutes of Council Meeting September 15, 2025 Page 4 Mr. Krinks then summarized issues with the existing tank (namely, operational, safety, hydraulics and water quality concerns resulting from its age and physical condition) and issues with the existing site (namely the existing underground tank and limited area/setbacks). He then focused upon the advantages, disadvantages, costs and other considerations of re-using the Miami Road property. Mr. Krinks cited four options that had been explored by AECOM: 1. Renovate existing tank 2. Construct a new 1-million-gallon tank a. near the edge of the property boundary (existing tank remains during construction) b. in the location of the existing tank 3. Modify the existing tank (using a steel frame) 4. Utilize ground storage and pumping Mr. Krink’s presentation to Council was best summarized by the following table: (The entire presentation is available for in-depth viewing on the Village website.) While delivering the details behind the above synopsis, Mr. Krinks also spoke to EPA requirements (and preferences), volumes, pumping procedures, usage rates, construction materials and other topics not assumed as general knowledge. Mayor Krehbiel, Vice Mayor Hidy and members of Council asked many points of clarification throughout Mr. Krinks’ presentation. These insights added great value to the conversation, serving to educate Council on closed-loop systems, battery back-up requirements, generator power sources, zoning rules and more related topics. Once Mr. Krinks’ presentation was completed, two citizens asked follow-up questions. Mr. Donald Muller, of 5845 Graves Lake Drive, inquired about tank requirements to satisfy Option 4; and Mr. Joseph J Carroll, of 6265 Hunters Trail, asked about site selection criteria for in-ground storage solutions. While the former was satisfactorily addressed in real-time, Vice Mayor Hidy committed to looking into the latter topic and reverting at a future date. 6. FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT: Council member Gibson reported that the Finance Committee met on September 10, 2025 and directed Council’s attention to the Finance Committee Meeting Minutes in the Council Meeting Packet. He then shared highlights from the August financial statements prepared by Comptroller Sewell. Following his report, Council member Gibson made a motion to approve Resolution 14-25. Minutes of Council Meeting September 15, 2025 Page 5 RESOLUTION ACCEPTING AMOUNTS AND RATES AS SET FOR THE CITY OF THE VILLAGE OF INDIAN HILL BY THE BUDGET COMMISSION, AUTHORIZING THE NECESSARY TAX LEVIES AND CERTIFYING THEM TO THE COUNTY AUDITOR Council member Manning seconded, the motion passed by unanimous voice vote (6-0), and Resolution 14-25 was approved. Upon passage of this Resolution, Council member Gibson’s report concluded. Mayor Krehbiel thanked Council member Gibson for his Finance Committee report and turned the conversation to Vice Mayor Hidy. 7. LAW COMMITTEE REPORT: Vice Mayor Hidy reported that the Law Committee met on September 4, 2025, and directed Council’s attention to the Law Committee Meeting Minutes, which were included in the Council Meeting Packet. Vice Mayor Hidy then delivered Law Committee meeting updates. After provision of these updates, Vice Mayor Hidy presented the third and final reading, plus recommended approval, of Ordinance 08-25: ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 155 ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE OF INDIAN HILL CODE OF ORDINANCES Council member Manning seconded the recommendation, and the Ordinance passed by unanimous roll call vote (5-0 *Council member Gibson abstained). Ordinance 08-25 was then enacted. Vice Mayor Hidy then presented the third and final reading, plus recommended approval, of Ordinance 09-25: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 95 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO PREPARE AND MAINTAIN REGULATIONS RELATED TO THE USE OF VILLAGE PARKS AND TO ADD SECTION 95.03 TO ESTABLISH PROHIBITED USE IN PARKS Council member Byer seconded the recommendation, and the Ordinance passed by unanimous roll call vote (5-0 *Council member Gibson abstained). Ordinance 09-25 was then enacted. Both Ordinance 08-25 and 09-25 were included in the Council Meeting Packet. Mayor Krehbiel thanked Vice Mayor Hidy for his Law Committee report and turned the conversation to Council member Byer. 8. BUILDINGS & GROUNDS COMMITTEE REPORT: Council member Byer reported that the Buildings and Grounds Committee met on September 9, 2025, and directed Council’s attention to the Buildings and Grounds Committee Meeting Minutes, which were included in the Council Meeting Packet. Council member Byer then shared highlights from the Buildings and Grounds Departmental Activity Report (included in the Council Meeting Packet). Following his reports, Council member Byer requested a suspension of the rules and to enter into emergency session. Minutes of Council Meeting September 15, 2025 Page 6 Following a motion by Mayor Krehbiel, Clerk Riordan took a unanimous roll call vote (6-0), and Mayor Krehbiel announced that Council had entered into emergency session. During the emergency session, Council member Byer presented the first reading, plus made a motion to waive the three readings of Ordinance 13-25: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 21-24 TO RECLASSIFY THE PART-TIME GRAND VALLEY MANAGER TO A FULL-TIME POSITION CLASSIFICATION AND TO ESTABLISH RATES OF COMPENSATION, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY Council member Manning seconded the motion to waive three readings, and his motion passed by unanimous roll call vote (6-0). Council member Byer then recommended passage of emergency Ordinance 13-25. Council member Gibson seconded the recommendation, and the Ordinance passed by unanimous roll call vote (6-0). Ordinance 13-25 was then enacted. Council then exited the emergency session. Mayor Krehbiel then announced that Council member Byer would also deliver the Public Works Committee Report. 9. PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE REPORT: Council member Byer reported that the Public Works Committee met on September 9, 2025, and directed Council’s attention to the Public Works Committee Meeting Minutes, which were included in the Council Meeting Packet. Council member Byer then shared highlights from the Public Works Departmental Activity and Project Management Reports (included in the Council Meeting Packet). Council member Byer’s report concluded, and Mayor Krehbiel turned the conversation to Council member Isphording. 10. WATER WORKS COMMITTEE & UTILITY DEREGULATION COMMITTEE REPORT: Council member Isphording reported that the Water Works Committee met on September 9, 2025, and directed Council’s attention to the Water Works Committee Meeting Minutes, which were included in the Council Meeting Packet. Council member Isphording then shared highlights from the Water Works Departmental Activity and Project Management Reports (included in the Council Meeting Packet). Council member Isphording’s report concluded, and Mayor Krehbiel turned the conversation to his own Public Safety Committee report. 11. PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE REPORT: Mayor Krehbiel reported that the Public Safety Committee met on September 4, 2025, and shared updates with Council. His updates included, but were not limited to highlights from the Madeira & Indian Hill Joint Fire District (MIGJFD) Fire/EMS Report. Please see the “Public Safety Committee Meeting Report” for full details (included in the Council Meeting Packet). Once Mayor Krehbiel concluded his report, Mayor Krehbiel turned the conversation to Council member Manning, for an update on the Planning Commission. 12. PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT: Council member Manning confirmed that the Village Planning Commission did not meet in either August or September due to a lack of agenda items. Minutes of Council Meeting September 15, 2025 Page 7 13. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT: City Manager Minneci spoke to four dates upcoming on the Village’s 2025 calendar: a. October 31 - Halloween (6:00 - 8:00 p.m.) b. November 4 - Election Day c. November 11 - Veterans Day Observance (Veterans Memorial - 11:00 a.m.) d. December 1 - Council Organizational Meeting (7:30 a.m.) 14. 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. Vice Mayor Hidy moved for Council to go into Executive Session for said purpose. His motion was seconded by Council member Byer, and passed by unanimous roll call vote (6-0). Council then entered into Executive Session. Council returned from Executive Session. 15. 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