Bradford C. Lautar

The session included acknowledgments of guests, such as a high school senior seeking scholarship signatures and a candidate for County Commissioner observing proceedings. Key administrative reports covered economic development initiatives, particularly ongoing efforts regarding housing opportunities and collaboration with the Harden County Chamber of Business Alliance. Updates were provided on infrastructure projects, including the completion of a storm sewer line replacement near Hidinger and Subway, and planned work on Wayne Street involving the insertion of a new water valve. Leaf pickup schedules were noted, with a temporary pause due to moving school signs. Downtown project progress was discussed, awaiting final thermal striping due to temperature requirements. Committee reports included finance actions involving legislation, MOP committee adjustments to payroll strength ordinances due to minimum wage concerns, and the Parks and Recreation Board approving a tether ball installation at Pioneer Park and discussing maintenance needs for Wharton Park. The Council also addressed resolutions and ordinances for additional appropriations for 2025, including funding for CDL training and general year-end transfers, as well as authorizing a contract with Helms and Suns Excavating for a sanitary sewer trunk line replacement phase one, which was approved despite exceeding the engineer's estimate.

The meeting, identified as the 24th Regular Session for 2025, included administrative reports covering the finalization of the annual audit, which was not significantly different from prior years, and updates on income tax collections, noting a lag behind projections due to a large employer reporting a loss. The Treasurer's Director reported on initiating a collection lawsuit against Mr. Rigdon, resulting in a judgment and planned foreclosure proceedings in January. Significant discussion centered on the results of union negotiations for 2025, which included a 5% wage increase with an incentive pay for public works employees, new pay ranges for water treatment plant employees, a 5.5% increase for police, and a 12% increase for fire personnel, along with the elimination of initial pay steps across departments to attract new employees. Furthermore, lateral transfers and training pay policies were implemented for all three unions. A decision was made to cease giving cash change for utility payments at the office, instead crediting any remaining amount to the customer's account starting January 1st, due to a penny shortage. The council also passed Ordinance 25-025, providing for additional appropriations and fund transfers for 2025, and adopted Ordinance 26-001, making appropriations for current expenses for the year 2026. Remarks were also shared regarding departing council members.

The Kenton City Council held discussions on various topics, including communications from citizens regarding traffic, reports from the police and fire departments, and updates on income tax. Bid openings for the Perry Street Sanitary Sewer Line installation and the Clover and Lark Lane water line install were announced. The council was awarded federal funds for the Leighton Street Bridge replacement. Updates were provided on leaf collection, committee reports, and street maintenance, including discussions on South High Street and parking issues on Wayne. The council also discussed water bills, land availability on Jones Road, and the removal of stoplights. Reports were given on regional planning, parks and recreation, Grove Cemetery, and the tree commission, including plans for tree training and planting. An Arbor Day proclamation was read, and the council discussed the BKP Ambulance District. Finally, the council considered an ordinance providing for additional appropriations and transferring funds for the year 2025.

The meeting included discussions on various administrative reports from the police and fire departments, as well as updates on economic development and income tax. The finance committee reported progress on balancing the budget. There were discussions regarding scheduling meetings for the MOP committee and updates from the public utilities, streets and sidewalks, legislation, parks and recreation, Grove Cemetery Board, Tree Commission, and BKP district board. The council addressed legislation, including transferring funds, authorizing bids for materials and supplies, amending fund classifications, and a resolution for a water line replacement project. Public comments were heard, and council members provided updates on elections, revitalization efforts, and infrastructure projects.

The City Council held a public hearing regarding an ordinance to authorize and designate a revitalization district within the city. The council discussed additional appropriations and fund transfers for the year, as well as a resolution authorizing an agreement with the Ohio Rural Community Assistance Program for a utility rate study. There were discussions on the Halloween parade and trick-or-treat events.