Council Meeting

MINUTES OF MEETING INDIAN HILL VILLAGE COUNCIL November 17, 2025 A meeting of the Indian Hill Village Council was held on November 17, 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 Mrs. Pat Stern, Council member Staff present: Ms. TaraLyn M. Riordan, City Clerk of Council Mrs. Monique A. Sewell, City Comptroller 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. Scott Gully, Finance Director / Tax Commissioner Ms. Cindy Klopfenstein, City Engineer / Project Manager Visitors present: Mr. Jim Bero, 6600 North Clippinger Drive, 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 Mr. Pat Guanciale, 7895 Shawnee Run Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45243 Mrs. Trish Krehbiel, 7460 Graves Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45243 Ms. Anne McCarren, 7885 Shawnee Run Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45243 Mrs. Lindsay McLean, 9540 Cunningham Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45243 Ms. Sally More, 6105 Hunters Trail, Cincinnati, OH 45243 Ms. Marla Morse, 7847 Shawnee Run Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45243 Ms. Janet Popp, 6435 Hunters Trail, Cincinnati, OH 45243 Mr. Paul Riordan, 8625 Deep Run Lane, 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. Tim Zaring, 7725 Chumani Ln, 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 October 20, 2025 had previously been distributed to each Council member. City Manager Minneci confirmed that no Council members had submitted change requests, and Mayor Krehbiel declared the minutes accepted as issued. 4. WORK SESSION: Mayor Krehbiel announced that the meeting would proceed with a Work Session, as opposed to a Citizen Participation Session. This variance from typical Council Meeting Agendas was intended to provide attendees the opportunity to hear Council’s presentation before commenting. Mayor Krehbiel also confirmed that Council’s presentation (titled, “Resolving the Long- Term Water Needs of Indian Hill”) and all supporting documents would be placed on the Village website. Further, the posting of these materials would be announced broadly to the community, who are welcome to revert with questions and comments. Minutes of Council Meeting November 17, 2025 Page 2 He then welcomed everyone and expressed appreciation to all who had contributed to Council’s work on the water tower and the Village's long-term water source. Specifically: • Village Residents for engagement through town halls, meetings, emails, and conversations that helped Council understand community priorities and guided Council toward a decision that reflects both the Village’s needs of today and goals for the future. • City Manager Minneci, City Water Works Superintendent Freson, City Engineer / Project Manager Klopfenstein and other Village staff for extensive behind-the- scenes work, gathering data, reviewing requirements, clarifying policies, and ensuring every option was evaluated thoroughly and transparently. • Village Engineering and Consulting teams for expertise; for translating complex technical information into clear, understandable choices; and for guidance which had helped Council weigh risks, opportunities, and long-term impacts with confidence. • Village Council for hours spent studying reports; asking hard questions; collaborating with residents, staff, and consultants; and approaching an immense volume of information with diligence and a genuine commitment to serving the Village. Mayor Krehbiel noted that Council’s decision reflected a collective effort, proof of what can be achieved when residents, professionals, staff, and elected officials work together with a shared purpose. Before beginning the presentation, he concluded with: “I'm proud of the careful, community-centered process we've undertaken. Thank you all for your dedication to our village and for the trust you continue to place in this process.” The Mayor then displayed the Agenda of Council’s Presentation, and reviewed Council’s plan to cover each topic: • Recap – How did we get here? • Council Statement • Decision Drivers – Summary • Critical Path – 2026 and beyond • Next Steps Vice Mayor Hidy walked through the recap. He referenced the year spent evaluating the future of the Village’s water system. Noting the importance and complexity of Council’s decision, and how it would impact both current and future generations. Vice Mayor Hidy also spoke to the benefits of multiple town halls, community feedback sessions, Council meetings, Committee meetings and Village Advisory Committee input. Vice Mayor Hidy then cited the benefits of expertise from Burgess & Niple, AECOM, and Tetra Tech; and how the cumulation of these many voices had placed Council in a much better place than they were in the beginning of their analysis. Vice Mayor Hidy echoed the Mayor’s gratitude towards all who had partnered in this effort and outlined two questions that would be addressed by the Mayor’s Statement: 1. Water Tower: Do we need a new one, and if so, where? 2. Water Production and Distribution: How should we assure that residents have access to high quality, reliable and affordable water? Vice Mayor Hidy concluded by encouraging everyone to examine the materials posted online and turned the conversation back over to Mayor Krehbiel. Minutes of Council Meeting November 17, 2025 Page 3 Mayor Krehbiel then read Council’s Statement: • Village Council has determined that it is in the Village’s best interest to construct a one-million-gallon water tower at the current Miami Road site. The Administration will pursue a design consistent with the Village’s architectural character and work closely with nearby residents to minimize disruption. This decision reflects careful consideration of need, reliability, resiliency, service, quality, cost, and suitability. • Council has also determined that the Village will continue to produce and distribute water to residents. The Village will continue with efforts to obtain Ohio EPA approval of the PFAS Remediation General Plan that will allow for construction of a PFAS removal facility at the existing Glendale-Milford Water Works. This conclusion is based on the same key factors noted above. • Council is confident these actions best serve the Village now and in the future. We do not expect to alter this course unless new, material information arises. Council thanks all residents for their active participation and will continue to keep the community informed as we move forward. Afterwards, the Mayor spoke in detail to Key Factors and Decision Drivers. (Please reference details in slides 6-11 in Council’s presentation, “Resolving the Long-Term Water Needs of Indian Hill”.) Following Mayor Krehbiel’s walkthrough of Council’s slides, Council member Manning emphasized that cost estimates included PFAS. Council member Byer summarized Council’s decision as the cheaper cost option with better service. And Vice Mayor Hidy remarked that Council did stress test and re-engage consultants to ensure that the right decision was made from a financial perspective, not just the softer perspectives. Following this input from Council, Mayor Krehbiel delivered Next Steps along the Village’s Critical Path. (Please reference slide 12 in Council’s presentation, “Resolving the Long-Term Water Needs of Indian Hill”.) Mayor Krehbiel then closed the Work Session and opened the Citizen Participation portion of the meeting. 5. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION: Mayor Krehbiel opened this portion of the meeting by respectfully asking all visitors wishing to speak to please keep their comments brief (preferably no more than three minutes) and where possible, to please avoid repetition. He further clarified that questions should be directed to Council only. Mayor Krehbiel also 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 Council. Mr. Jim Bero of 6600 North Clippinger Drive, stood and inquired about specific assumptions in Council’s cost calculations. e.g. The inflation rate increase on The Village’s operating costs and the annual escalation on water works sourced from the City of Cincinnati. Mayor Krehbiel and City Manager Minneci walked through the applied rationale. In summary, Greater Cincinnati Water Works’ 2024 estimates for supplying water were escalated by 2.7% per year (the Midwest CPI rate). While the comparative Village rates were based on known, normal operating costs adjusted for Operating and Maintenance inflation plus PFAS costs. Mr. Joseph J. Carroll of 6265 Hunters Trail, expressed appreciation for Council’s extensive effort invested in reaching this decision, especially their consideration of expert analyses. He then asked Council to please take an official position on the status of Camp Jim B, including a proclamation that it is either in, or not in, the Green Areas program. Minutes of Council Meeting November 17, 2025 Page 4 Vice Mayor Hidy confirmed that the Village Solicitor was actively investigating the status of Camp Jim B, and that Council intends to address this during the first quarter of 2026. Mr. Jim Bero stood again. This time, he encouraged the Village to provide transparency into their proposed Water Works investments. Mr. Bero also commented on his current, quarterly water bill seeming high – mainly due to irrigation. City Manager Minneci added that a portion may be Metropolitan sewer charges. Ms. Christin Spurr of 6435 Hunters Trail, then inquired about forthcoming legislative steps and/or votes that would bring finality to the decision announced this evening. City Solicitor Phillips and Mayor Krehbiel explained that this evening’s statement did not require a vote. However, legislation / votes will be required in the future, when contractors are selected (etc.) City Manager Minneci noted that the process to select contractors and other substantial project steps will be clearly communicated via email blasts and the Village’s website; and Vice Mayor Hidy assured Ms. Spurr that he does not expect changes from the future council, unless the facts materially change. Mr. Tim Zaring of 7725 Chumani Lane, sought context on Mr. Carroll’s comments regarding Camp Jim B. Vice Mayor Hidy clarified that there is a question about how the transfer historically occurred and the Scout’s leasehold vis-à-vis Green Areas. Mr. Kevin Whitham of 6155 Hunters Trail, thanked Council for being data driven; listening to experts; and making such an informed decision (because it was such an important one). Hearing no further questions, Mayor Krehbiel closed the Citizen Participation Session, and introduced Council member Gibson to begin the evening’s regular Committee updates. 6. FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT: Council member Gibson reported that the Finance Committee met on November 12, 2025 and directed Council’s attention to the Finance Committee Meeting Minutes in the Council Meeting Packet. He then shared highlights from the October financial statements prepared by Comptroller Sewell. Afterwards, Council member Gibson requested a Public Hearing to review the 2026 Draft Annual Budget. Mayor Krehbiel then opened the Public Hearing and turned the discussion over to Mr. Scott Gully, Village Finance Director and Tax Commissioner. Before delivering a presentation titled, “The Village of Indian Hill’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget In Brief”, Mr. Gully shared that the full budget was accessible on the Village’s website. He also provided an overview of the Village budget development/approval process, clarifying that all forthcoming figures are considered draft until approved via Council’s vote on December 15. Mr. Gully’s “Budget In Brief” provided a summary of the 2026 budget, revenues the Village expects to receive, and the planned areas where the money will be spent. Headlines included: • Operating Budget: Revenue – 2026 Budget revenues increased by $1.5MM (8%) from 2025 year-end estimates, primarily due to the proposed income tax rate increase from 0.45% to 0.5% and a 2% increase in taxable earnings from the 2025 forecast. • Operating Budget: Expenditures – The 2026 Operating Budget of $18MM reflects a 6.2% increase over the Village’s original 2025 Operating Budget plan, and a 10.8% increase over the 2025 estimated year-end expenditures. • Capital Improvement Reserve Fund – The 2026 Capital Improvement Reserve Fund (CIRF) equates to $5.1MM, reflecting a $699k (15.9%) increase from 2025 year-end estimates. • Water Works Fund – The 2026 Water Works operating expenditure budget equates to $2.8MM (net sewer reimbursements to the Metropolitan Sewer District) and reflects a $246k (9.6%) increase above the 2025 year-end forecast. The 2026 Water Works Capital Improvement Reserve Fund (CIRF) equates to $3.1MM and reflects a $2.25MM increase from 2025 year-end estimates. Minutes of Council Meeting November 17, 2025 Page 5 Mayor Krehbiel then asked if anyone had questions or comments about the 2026 Budget. Council member Byer took this opportunity to commend Mr. Gully for his work. Mayor Krehbiel closed the Public Hearing. Afterwards, Council member Gibson presented the first reading of Ordinance 15-25: ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 93 OF THE CITY OF THE VILLAGE OF INDIAN HILL, OHIO CODE OF ORDINANCES BY ADOPTING THE CURRENT DEFINITION OF ADJUSTED GROSS INCOME IN SECTION 5747.01 OF THE OHIO REVISED CODE, AND BY SETTING THE RATE OF 0.5% PROVIDED IN SECTION 93A-03 FOR THE TAX YEARS 2025 AND 2026. 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 November 6, 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, 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 November 10, 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 and Project Management Reports (included in the Council Meeting Packet) plus other Committee meeting updates. After provision of these updates, Mayor Krehbiel thanked Council member Byer for his Buildings and Grounds Committee report and turned the conversation to Council member Stern. 9. PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE REPORT: Council member Stern reported that the Public Works Committee met on November 10, 2025, and directed Council’s attention to the Public Works Committee Meeting Minutes, which were included in the Council Meeting Packet. Council member Stern then shared highlights from the Public Works Departmental Activity and Project Management Reports (included in the Council Meeting Packet). Mayor Krehbiel thanked Council member Stern for her report and 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 November 10, 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). Minutes of Council Meeting November 17, 2025 Page 6 Council member Isphording’s report concluded, and Mayor Krehbiel thanked her before segueing into the Public Safety Committee report. 11. PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE REPORT: Mayor Krehbiel reported that the Public Safety Committee met on November 6, 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, he 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 had not met in the prior four months. 13. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT: City Manager Minneci spoke to several dates upcoming on the Village’s 2025 calendar: • November 27 & 28 – Administrative offices closed for Thanksgiving • December 1 – Council Organizational Meeting and Swearing-In (7:30am, Council Chambers) • December 24 & 25 – Administrative offices closed for Christmas 14. EXECUTIVE SESSION: Mayor Krehbiel requested a motion to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the appointment, promotion, demotion, discipline or compensation of a public employee. Council member Byer moved for Council to go into Executive Session for said purpose. Council member Byer’s motion was seconded by Council member Manning, and passed by unanimous roll call vote (7-0). 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, Richard J. Hidy, Mayor ATTEST: TaraLyn M. Riordan, Clerk