Jim Friend

The Council received a presentation from a local student robotics team regarding their achievements and participation in the VEX IQ Robotics World Championship. The agenda included approvals for various resolutions, such as budget amendments for the pool project and fire department equipment, the negotiation of a lease agreement for restaurant space at Summit Park, and an economic development incentive for Alcove. The Council also authorized the 2026 paving program, the sale of surplus municipal property, and the sale of a police vehicle. Additionally, the Council heard a detailed presentation on the Safe Streets for All Action Plan, which utilizes data and public input to develop infrastructure safety improvements. Citizens expressed concerns regarding land development restrictions and green space preservation, while Council members provided updates on local events, anniversary commemorations, and ongoing community developments.

The Council discussed the 2025 Annual Report and heard from citizens regarding property development and zoning concerns. Actions included rescheduling a work session, approving 2026 budget amendments for police training and road salt, and authorizing the sale of city-owned property at 9000 Blue Ash Road. Additionally, the Council approved the purchase of fitness equipment for the recreation center, golf course maintenance equipment, and a contract for HVAC unit replacements. The meeting also included reports on a grant for the Summit Park project, staff retirement, and an extensive discussion regarding potential charter amendments and ward redistricting, which will be deferred for further data collection and resident input.

The Board of Zoning Appeals heard three new cases involving zoning variances. The first case involved an appeal to allow a reduced front yard setback for a roof addition at 10033 Kenwood Road. The second case concerned an expansion of a nonconforming structure with a side yard setback less than 10 feet at 9629 Ash Court. The final case addressed an appeal to allow a driveway opening wider than 30 feet at 5570 Creek Road, with board members inquiring about planned landscaping for the parking area. All three variances were approved.

The City Council meeting covered various administrative and operational items, including the rescheduling of a work session. Budget amendments for the 2026 fiscal year were approved, specifically for police training and road salt procurement. The Council authorized the granting of an easement and the transfer of real property at 9000 Blue Ash Road to Monarch Homes, LLC. Furthermore, the purchase of new fitness equipment for the Recreation Center and golf course maintenance equipment was approved. The Council also awarded a contract for the HVAC unit replacement project at the Recreation Center and approved an amendment to the professional services contract with Axon Enterprise, Inc. for police technology systems.

The Council of the City of Blue Ash participated in a two-day Strategic Planning work session facilitated by Jennifer Teal with Raftelis Consulting Group. Discussions included setting the stage, celebrating successes from 2025, and defining the ideal governing body from the perspectives of the public, staff, and colleagues. Key challenges in governing, such as media impact, were addressed. Day two focused on long-term visioning toward 2036, resulting in Vision themes across Financial Strength, Community Development and Amenities, Citizen Satisfaction, Good Governance, Operational Excellence, Economic Development Planning, and a Vibrant Downtown. Council members mapped these vision elements to existing Strategic Goals and Objectives, leading to discussions about consolidating goals into broader categories like Thriving and Livable Community, Safe and Connected City, Dynamic Economy, and Excellent Local Government. Additionally, the City Manager and Assistant City Manager reviewed the work plan, providing recommendations for future action on items including Community Reinvestment Area boundaries, development at The BLUE and Neighborhoods at Summit Park, addressing the soft office market, connectivity planning, traffic improvements (including a Federal SS4A grant and signal upgrades), maintenance of recreation facilities, and potential restructuring of Council seats (at-large versus ward seats).