City of Blue Ash

The Council meeting, held via video-conference, included a public hearing regarding a final development plan for a new 75,000 sq. ft. multi-tenant office building in the Summit Park Subdivision. Council discussed the proposal, including vehicular and pedestrian access, building materials, and future density options. The Finance & Administration Committee reported on resolutions authorizing amendments to the 2020 annual appropriation resolution, including funding for the purchase of the 2.44-acre Hosbrook property. The Planning & Zoning Committee approved a plat allowing Chick-fil-A to dedicate right-of-way to the City for a public sidewalk. The Public Safety Committee adopted an ordinance incorporating State law changes into the Traffic Code and General Offenses Code. Miscellaneous business covered the City's financial status update amid the COVID-19 pandemic, potential zoning variations to support light industrial/manufacturing projects due to changing work environments, staff authority to grant temporary flexibility for outdoor dining, and updates on the recreation center reopening plans and the Hunt House project. An executive session was held to discuss personnel matters.

The City Council meeting included a Public Hearing concerning the first reading of Ordinance No. 2025-05, which proposes approval of a Concept Development Plan for a 6.7-acre site at 5901 Pfeiffer Road in the Summit Park District, involving the construction of five multifamily apartment buildings totaling 250 dwellings. Committee reports covered several resolutions: Finance & Administration addressed amendments to the 2025 annual appropriation, adopting the 2026 final budget, approving the 2026 Position Classification Plan and Pay Plan (including sick leave policy changes), authorizing a multi-year collective bargaining agreement with Police Patrol Officers, amending legal service fees, adopting a cybersecurity policy, and appointing a member to the ESID Board. The Parks & Recreation Committee addressed recreational facility fees and awarding a contract for the CCEC Paint and Floor Project. The Planning & Zoning Committee planned a future Public Hearing for a Kenwood Road project and considered a subdivision plat for the Skyview development. The Public Works Committee focused on authorizing engineering service fees, awarding contracts for 2026 solid waste and recycling collection, authorizing streetlight agreements, and authorizing an LPA agreement with ODOT for the Reed Hartman Highway Resurfacing Project. The Public Safety Committee addressed equipment agreements for police cruisers and electing members to the Volunteer Fire Fighters' Dependent Fund Board. The Council also planned to enter Executive Session to discuss Property Acquisition and Economic Development Assistance.

The proceedings commenced with a Council Swearing-In Ceremony, including the administration of the Oath of Office to Council Representatives, the Mayor, and the Vice Mayor by a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas. Key resolutions adopted included Resolution No. 2025-66 for making Councilmanic appointments (Mayor and Vice Mayor), Resolution No. 2025-67 for appointing a City Solicitor, Resolution No. 2025-68 for establishing standing committees of Council, and Resolution No. 2025-69 for appointing Council representatives to various external boards and commissions, such as the OKI Board of Directors and the Blue Ash Investment Board. The meeting agenda was accepted, and the session concluded with adjournment.

The Board addressed continued and new hearings concerning zoning variances for fences. For a continued hearing regarding a front yard fence at 10607 Techwoods Circle, the Board granted the appeal with conditions on setback, landscaping, and height, basing the decision on compliance with Section 1127.07(a)(4). In a new hearing for a front yard fence at 9563 Heather Court, the Board granted a variance for a fence no more than six feet in height to mitigate headlight intrusion, noting preference for placement farther from Plainfield Road. The meeting also included opening ceremonies, roll call, and adjournment.

The meeting served as a Budget Study Session to review the Proposed Budget for 2026. Key topics included an analysis of the City's fiscal health, noting consistent General Fund reserve growth since 2020 supported by one-time revenues, though Net Profit collections have declined. The 2026 Budget forecasts a modest operational decrease after accounting for debt repayment, and includes a capital budget of approximately $16.7M. Discussions centered on the conclusion of the $40M capital campaign, including consolidating debt related to the pool project into a long-term issue. Council members reviewed challenges such as operating costs rising faster than revenues, the gap between income tax growth and CPI, and the emerging 'new economic development normal' characterized by reduced office demand. The session concluded with a discussion on future needs, including aging facilities, the need for a clear development strategy, and potential future pressure from property tax reforms.