Emily Bair

The Work Session included a detailed update from State Senator Willis E. Blackshear Jr. regarding current legislative efforts, the state budget, including topics such as property tax reform, Medicaid cuts, and school funding, and ongoing collaboration needs. Following this, the Code Enforcement Official provided an update on proposed property maintenance code changes, including reinspection fees, restrictions on prairie grass lawns, and challenges concerning absentee property owners and enforcement delays. Actionable steps to expedite nuisance resolution were requested from staff for collaboration with other governmental bodies. Discussions also covered whether to remove or invest $25,000 to run power to two former bus stop gazebos, with a consensus to await further input. The City Manager's report covered the resignation of the MVRMA Executive Director, upcoming Joint Entities meetings, successful park events, labor negotiations with the Teamsters, and updates on the Yankee Station Peaker Plant. Finally, the Council reviewed the regular meeting agenda and discussed supporting the City of Columbus amicus brief in a taxpayer standing case before the Ohio Supreme Court.

The agenda for this meeting includes Old Business featuring a Public Hearing concerning Ordinance 01-26, which proposes to repeal a previous ordinance and establish new class titles, pay ranges, grades, rates of pay, and regulations for City of Centerville employees. New Business features a Public Hearing regarding a Development Plan Amendment application for a property at 8100 Clyo Road and the introduction of Ordinance 02-26, concerning the issuance of Park Improvement Bond Anticipation Notes for the Benham's Grove Project. The Consent Agenda covers multiple resolutions, including accepting bids for the 2026 Street Resurfacing, Crack Sealing, and Concrete Programs; authorizing agreements for waste reduction/recycling materials, a Safe Routes To School grant application, mural grants, and a banner project; authorizing an amended service agreement for the Yankee Trace Master Plan; and appointing members to the Arts Commissions and various regional planning and advisory committees.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and pledge of allegiance. Key communications involved accepting resignations from the Arts Commission and administering the Oath of Office to a new member. Recognitions included presenting a Certificate of Appreciation for a gazebo donation and years of community service. Presentations featured the July City Beautiful Commission award winners for Summer Landscape and Community Pride. Introductions were made for summer interns. Citizen comments focused on ongoing noise and vibration complaints related to the Yankee Station Peaker Plant, demanding faster mitigation, and opposition to a proposed bike path along Clyo Road citing safety and cost concerns, with an alternative route suggested. Officials' reports highlighted recent ribbon cuttings (Manga Kingdom, Benham's Grove Event Center), successful 4th of July festivities, park progress (Stubbs Park, Grant Park bridge dedication), and praised staff efforts. The City Manager reported on the cooperative relationship with Washington Township, the reopening of Dimeo Way, and details on electric and gas aggregation programs. Old Business centered on a Public Hearing for Ordinance 13-25, which amends the Municipal Code to adopt the 2024 Edition of the International Property Maintenance Code, updating standards for property maintenance, adding daily reinspection fees, and addressing prairie-style landscaping and chronic vacancies. Following public testimony urging a higher reinspection fee, the ordinance was approved. The Consent Agenda included an ordinance to repeal a sales incentive plan for Yankee Trace Golf Course, an ordinance amending the Unified Development Ordinance to adopt the 'Centerville Forward Comprehensive Development Plan,' resolutions authorizing participation in a Jurisdictional Emergency Management Services Agreement and ratifying a Parking District Agreement, accepting a bid for the Citywide Storm Sewer Repair Project, and motions to reappoint/appoint members to the City Beautiful Commission. The meeting concluded with adjournment to a Work Session.

The meeting agenda included several items for consideration. Recognitions were scheduled for Dr. David Roer, John Doll, and Pat Turnbull. A presentation and proclamation from Keep America Beautiful was also slated. Official reports included updates from the Mayor, Council Members, and the City Manager. The Consent Agenda contained several substantive items: an ordinance related to employee class titles, pay ranges, and regulations (set for public hearing on February 16, 2026); resolutions authorizing amendments to an interchange project financing agreement with Greene County and Sugarcreek Township, ratifying a natural gas purchase contract with Interstate Gas Supply, LLC, authorizing an agreement for the Home Repair Pilot Program with Rebuilding Together Dayton, Inc., and authorizing financing/managed services for copier hardware; and a motion to reappoint Frank Masterson to the Personnel Appeals Board.

The key discussions included a Grant Funding Discussion regarding a preliminary Streetscape application for HVAC improvements for an Uptown property, focusing on exterior visibility and avoiding setting broad precedents. The Board also reviewed a draft framework for a Residential Property Improvement Pilot Program, modeled after Uptown Streetscape grants, which proposes a 50% reimbursement up to $5,000 for qualifying exterior improvements in targeted neighborhoods. The Work Plan Update covered market reports, recent and ongoing project updates (such as Fairy Godmother's park addition and Mudlick Tap House), the formation of the Uptown Business Task Force for coordinated marketing, a planned Business Walk in October, a forthcoming job fair in partnership with the county, and an AI & Business Education event. The Corporation's financial status as of July 2025 was reviewed, showing unencumbered funds of approximately $217,589.81, and payments for three specific checks were approved.