Council Meeting

MINUTES OF MEETING INDIAN HILL VILLAGE COUNCIL February 17, 2026 A meeting of the Indian Hill Village Council was held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting was held in the Council Chamber of the Village Administration building. Council present: Mr. Richard J. Hidy, Mayor Mr. Andrew A. Byer, Vice Mayor Mr. Jeffrey G. Gibson, Council member Mr. Karl Grafe, Council member Mrs. Elizabeth C. Isphording, Council member Mrs. Patricia Krehbiel, 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 Mr. Mike Dressell, Chief of Police Mr. Aaron Freson, City Water Works Superintendent Visitors present: Mr. Jeff Braun, address not provided Ms. Brittany Brinker, address not provided Mr. Timothy Brinker, 6525 Drake Road, Cincinnati, OH 45243 Ms. Shannon Brown, address not provided Ms. Jesse Brown, 6525 Drake Road, Cincinnati, OH 45243 Mr. Kim Burke, 6750 Camaridge Lane, Cincinnati, OH 45243 Mr. John Burton, address not provided Mr. Brian Dearborn, address not provided Mr. Brandon Hammersley, address not provided Mr. Bill Hickey, address not provided Ms. Ali Hill, IH Shooting Club Mgr., 6525 Drake Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45243 Ms. Hope Jacob, address not provided Mr. Knox Jacob, address not provided Mr. Silas Jacob, address not provided Ms. Trevor Jacob, 6525 Drake Road, Cincinnati, OH 45243 Mr. Keith Lang, address not provided Ms. Elizabeth Meier, 567 Forestedge Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45255 Mr. Tony Murray, address not provided Mr. Dean Ramsey, address not provided Mr. Paul Watts, address not provided Mr. C.P. Wood, address not provided Mr. Adam Yeary, address not provided Mr. S. Z., address not provided 1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Hidy opened the meeting by leading the Pledge of Allegiance. 2. CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL Mayor Hidy followed the Pledge with a call to order; and Clerk Riordan called roll. All Council members were physically present and a quorum was established. 3. COUNCIL MINUTES Minutes of the January 14, 2026 Special Council Meeting and the January 20, 2026 Regular Council Meeting had been previously distributed to Council members. No changes were reported to either set of minutes. Mayor Hidy declared both approved as issued. Minutes of Council Meeting February 17, 2026 Page 2 4. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION a) Mayor Hidy presented RESOLUTION 02-26: RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO MONIQUE A. SEWELL FOR HER SERVICE TO THE CITY OF THE VILLAGE OF INDIAN HILL, OHIO In this formal Resolution of Appreciation, Monique A. Sewell was thanked for the year she spent as the Village Comptroller, and for the six years she spent as a valued member of Council. Specific highlights included Mrs. Sewell’s: • Professionalism, fiscal stewardship, and integrity • Contributions to budgeting and financial reporting • Continued support of Indian Hill Water Works A full copy of Resolution 02-26 was included in Council’s Meeting Packet. After presenting a signed copy of Resolution 02-26 to Mrs. Sewell, Council applauded and congratulated Mrs. Sewell on her retirement. Before turning the conversation to Colonel Mike Dressell, Chief of Police, Mayor Hidy spoke to the high quality of the Indian Hill Rangers, categorizing them amongst the best in the country. Colonel Mike Dressell then began the swearing in of two new patrolmen and the awarding of a Medal of Merit. b) Swearing in of Patrolman Tim Brinker Colonel Mike Dressell introduced and administered the oath to Ranger Timothy J. Bricker, who came to Indian Hill from Miami Township. Several of Ranger Bricker’s family members were present. His wife, Brittany completed the honor of formally pinning her husband’s badge. c) Swearing in of Patrolman Jesse Brown Colonel Mike Dressell introduced and administered the oath to Ranger Jesse Brown, who came to Indian Hill from the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Several of Ranger Brown’s family members were present. His wife, Shannon completed the honor of formally pinning her husband’s badge. d) Presentation of the Medal of Merit to Detective Trevor Jacob The Medal of Merit is the second highest award given by the Indian Hill Rangers. It is given for an act or a continuation of service that is above and beyond what we would expect normally in the course of someone's duties. On this occasion, Detective Trevor Jacobs was awarded the Indian Hill Rangers Medal of Merit for lifesaving action involving a choking victim at a local restaurant. Before issuing the award, Colonel Dressell acknowledged that Detective Jacobs’ actions reflected positively on not just the Rangers, but also the entire Jacobs family. In turn, Colonel Dressell invited Detective Jacobs’ wife Hope and their two sons to stand beside Detective Jacobs as he received this prestigious award for exemplary service. Minutes of Council Meeting February 17, 2026 Page 3 When given a moment to speak, Detective Jacobs expressed gratitude for the award and humbly noted that all Rangers would do the same given the same circumstances. e) Introduce Ms. Ali Hill – Indian Hill Shooting Club Manager City Manager Minneci introduced Ms. Ali Hill as the new Indian Hill Shooting Club Manager. Ms. Hill had been serving as the part-time shooting range manager since January, 2024 and stepped in as the interim full-time shooting range manager in October, 2025. She brings a background in club management, hospitality, and administration, and is well supported by the Shooting Club’s Advisory Board. Council welcomed Ms. Hill. As there was no other citizen participation, Mayor Hidy turned the conversation to Council member Gibson to deliver the Village’s Finance Report. 5. FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT Council member Gibson reported that the Finance Committee met on February 10, 2026 and directed Council’s attention to the Finance Committee Meeting Minutes in the Council Meeting Packet. He then shared highlights from the Committee’s Investment Reviews (with Bartlett and with Ball & Gaynor) and the January, 2026 financial statements prepared by Comptroller Sewell. Investment Reviews • Bartlett: o General Fund: 1.95-year avg. maturity; 3.59% yield o Rowe Arboretum 30% Fixed-Income Fund: 4.1-year avg. maturity; 4.02% average yield to maturity • Ball & Gaynor: o Manages 70% equity portion of Rowe Arboretum Fund o Generated $102,000 in income; current yield approx. 2.3% o Fund has grown from $3.2M (2019) to $4.2M despite $1M withdrawals Committee agreed to revisit 70/30 allocation strategy at a future meeting. January Financial Report Highlights • Income tax receipts: $667,000 (+$67,000 YoY) • Operating disbursements: $1.61M (+$153,000 YoY due to timing and staffing) • Waterworks receipts: $446,000 (-$41,000 YoY) • Total cash & investments: $54M (+$6M YoY due to PFAS settlement and Water Works Fund project timing) Council member Gibson then requested a suspension of the rules and to enter into emergency session for the deliberation of a budget-related Ordinance. Following a motion by Mayor Hidy that was seconded by Council member Grafe, Council unanimously voted (7-0) to suspend the rules and enter emergency session. Mayor Hidy then announced that Council had entered into an emergency session. Minutes of Council Meeting February 17, 2026 Page 4 Once in emergency session, Council member Gibson presented the first reading, plus moved to waive the three readings of Ordinance 02-26 (included in Council’s packet): AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 19-25 AND ADOPTING REVISED FEES AND CHARGES FOR 2026 FOR THE CITY OF THE VILLAGE OF INDIAN HILL, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY Council member Stern seconded the motion to waive three readings, and the motion passed by unanimous roll call vote (7-0). Council member Gibson then recommended passage of emergency Ordinance 02-26. Vice Mayor Byer seconded the recommendation, and the Ordinance passed by unanimous roll call vote (7-0). Ordinance 02-26 was then enacted. Council then exited the emergency session, and Council member Gibson concluded his report. 6. LAW & GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE REPORT Council member Grafe reported that the Law & Governance Committee met on February 5, 2026, and directed Council’s attention to the Law Governance Committee Meeting Memo, included in their Meeting Packet. Council member Grafe then announced that there is a vacancy for an alternate member of the Planning Commission, and he encouraged Council members to recommend qualified candidates to City Manager Minneci. Lastly, Council member Grafe shared that the Law & Governance Committee had recently discussed services provided by the City Solicitor and his firm, noting the excellent work that they do and the services they provide to the Village. After discussing the contract, or a proposed contract extension for two years with an option that had been negotiated by the City Manager, the committee unanimously agreed to recommend to Council that the contract be entered into. To that end, Council member Grafe moved to approve Resolution 03-26 (included in Council’s packet): RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A COMPENSATION AGREEMENT WITH SCOTT D. PHILLIPS, ESQ. AND FBT GIBBONS LLP, FOR LEGAL SERVICES RELATED TO THE POSITION OF CITY SOLICITOR Council member Gibson seconded the motion to approve Resolution 03-26. Resolution 03-26 then passed via a unanimous voice vote (7-0). Mayor Hidy thanked Council member Grafe for his report and turned the conversation to Council member Stern. 7. ADMINISTRATION & TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE REPORT Council member Stern reported that the Administration & Technology Committee met on February 5, 2026. She then touched upon the following highlights from that meeting (detailed Minutes may be found in Council’s Meeting Packet): • The Committee reviewed Village board/commission member terms and appointment processes; and requested benchmarking which may lead to change recommendations. • The committee also reviewed Chapter 37 of the Code of Ordinances, which references the Village Bulletin, and discussed the Village Bulletin purpose and future direction Minutes of Council Meeting February 17, 2026 Page 5 • At the recommendation of Vice Mayor Byer, the committee also discussed the need to define a purpose and mission for the Administration and Technology Committee. • May meeting moved to Thursday, May 7, to accommodate Secure Cyber presentation Upon concluding her report, Mayor Hidy thanked Council member Stern and turned the conversation to Vice Mayor Byer. 8. PUBLIC WORKS & FACILITIES COMMITTEE REPORT Vice Mayor Byer reported that the Public Works & Facilities Committee met on February 10, 2026, and directed Council’s attention to the Public Works & Facilities Committee Meeting Minutes, which were included in their Meeting Packet. Vice Mayor Byer then shared highlights from the Public Works Departmental Activity and Project Management Reports. Including: • Extensive snow removal: 29 inches YTD, exceeding combined totals for previous two years • Training initiatives continue (pesticides, ice control, leadership) • Major projects: o Varner Road Pier Wall bid: $113,000 (37% under budget) o South Given Stream Restoration work has begun o Active Recreation Parks Master Plan candidate interviews scheduled • Significant progress in forestry management Vice Mayor Byer then moved to approve Resolution 04-26 (included in Council’s packet): RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE CURRENT APPOINTMENTS TO THE INDIAN HILL RECREATION COMMISSION Council member Stern seconded the motion to approve Resolution 04-26. Resolution 04-26 then passed via a unanimous voice vote (7-0). Vice Mayor Byer then moved to approve Resolution 05-26 (included in Council’s packet): RESOLUTION APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT AND REAPPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE CITY OF THE VILLAGE OF INDIAN HILL SHOOTING CLUB ADVISORY COMMITTEE Council member Gibson seconded the motion to approve Resolution 05-26. Resolution 05-26 then passed via a unanimous voice vote (7-0). Mayor Hidy thanked Vice Mayor Byer for his report and turned the conversation to Council member Isphording. 9. WATER WORKS COMMITTEE REPORT Council member Isphording reported that the Water Works Committee met on February 10, 2026, and directed Council’s attention to the Water Works Committee Meeting Memo, 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), including: Minutes of Council Meeting February 17, 2026 Page 6 • Six water main breaks during recent cold spell • OEPA comments received on PFAS facility plan; consultant prepared response • Water tower conceptual planning and 3D modeling underway • Annual Water Rate Analysis presented, including: o 10-year cash flow through 2035 o Anticipated PFAS facility and water tower debt beginning 2027 o Benchmarking of regional water rates • Rate discussions to continue in March Council member Isphording’s report concluded, and Mayor Hidy thanked her before transitioning to the Public Safety Committee report delivered by Council member Krehbiel. 10. PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE REPORT Council member Krehbiel reported that the Public Safety Committee met on February 5, 2026, and shared updates from the meeting. Her updates included, but were not limited to highlights from the Rangers’ Report and the Madeira & Indian Hill Joint Fire District (MIHJFD) Fire/EMS Report. Please see the Public Safety Committee Meeting Memo and supporting documentation for full details (included in the Council Meeting Packet). Upon concluding her report, Council member Krehbiel presented the third reading and recommended approval of Ordinance 03-26 (included in Council’s Meeting Packet): ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 112 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF THE VILLAGE OF INDIAN HILL REGARDING SOLICITORS AND VENDORS Council member Graff seconded the recommendation, and the Ordinance passed by unanimous roll call vote (7-0). Ordinance 03-26 was then enacted. Mayor Hidy then turned the conversation to Council member Stern, for an update on the Planning Commission. 11. PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT Council member Stern announced that the Planning Commission met on January 21, 2026. During that meeting, the Planning Commission recommended conditional approval of a final plat for phase three of Twin Fences at the Peterloon Farm Subdivision. Council member Stern also noted that the Commission is scheduled to meet the following evening, February 18, 2026. 12. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT City Manager Minneci spoke to two upcoming events: • Easter Egg Hunt – March 28, 2026, Stephan Field (rain date: April 4) • Rowe Arboretum Plant Sale – April 25, 2026, Stephan Field City Manager Minneci also noted that 2026 is Rowe Arboretum’s 100th Anniversary; and that commemorative activities are being planned to mark this special occasion. Minutes of Council Meeting February 17, 2026 Page 7 13. EXECUTIVE SESSION Mayor Hidy 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. Council member Grafe moved for Council to go into Executive Session for said purpose, and the motion passed by unanimous roll call vote (7-0). Council then entered into Executive Session. Council returned from Executive Session. 14. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before Council, Mayor Hidy declared the meeting adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Richard J. Hidy, Mayor ATTEST: TaraLyn M. Riordan, Clerk