Scott Wingate

The board held a work session to review the creation and management of the 2026 budget, including an explanation of the carryover process. Key items discussed during the regular meeting involved approving the schedule of Board meetings for 2026 and reviewing October 2025 financial reports, including a clarification on a substantial tree purchase. Administrative reports covered progress on the GMRT and Gilmore Boardwalk projects, staff receiving a First Place OPRA Award, a decision not to respond to an inquiry about a local data center, updates on the Cincinnati Sub Memorial project, and a discussion regarding new health insurance plan options. The new business section included the approval of budget amendments, appropriations for the 2026 budget, delegation of authority for fees and obligations, and approval of settlement agreement with Mannik Smith Group.

The Board of Park Commissioners meeting involved several key administrative and financial discussions. Key topics included a detailed review of the deteriorating covered bridge at Governor Bebb MetroPark, where stabilization ($39,000) or major repair/relocation options ($1.4 million to $1.7 million) were presented. The Board directed staff to develop a plan for the removal of the deteriorating Meadow Ridge clubhouse. Updates were provided on the progress of the strategic plan, the creation of a new Manager of Sports position, and the anticipated spring 2026 opening of the USS Cincinnati exhibit. The Board also received updates on the Great Miami River Trail funding deadlines and the Gilmore boardwalk project funding status. New business involved approving resolutions related to the Ellis Lake Property Transfer, authorizing submissions for the Gilmore Ponds Boardwalk LWCF Grant Application and the Indian Creek Bridge LWCF Grant Application, approving a Permanent Transfer of Funds, and approving an Intergovernmental Agreement for the Pepper Pike Traffic Signal installation. The session concluded with discussions regarding a cancelled Legacy Foundation fundraiser and an executive session for personnel matters and legal issues.

The strategic plan for MetroParks of Butler County is currently in the public input phase, gathering feedback to inform future decisions. The plan aims to guide initiatives related to nature conservation, park improvements, new amenities, and programming across its 5,000 acres. A core objective is to provide opportunities for family recreation, including experiencing green spaces, hiking, and wildlife viewing.

The Board of Park Commissioners meeting covered several topics including finance, administrative reports, old business, and new business. The finance segment included the approval of schedules of payables for April and May, a year-to-date revenue and expense report, and a then and now payment. Administrative reports covered updates on the MetroParks' fiscal agency status, investment plans, grant funding for the Gilmore boardwalk, merchandise sales to support bird habitat, programming and education initiatives, trail information transition, and the 70th Anniversary video. Old business addressed the intergovernmental agreement for new Tylersville Entrance construction. New business included authorization to purchase the Bypass Wetlands parcel, submit a NatureWorks Accessibility Grant Application, approve the 2026 Tax Budget, approve a Virtual Public Meeting Policy, and approve a Sportsman Solutions Consultancy Agreement. The meeting concluded with commissioner reports and an executive session for discussions involving personnel and legal matters.

The MetroParks of Butler County Board of Park Commissioners meeting included discussions on various topics. A public comment was made regarding incomplete tree and fence work and concerns about hunters crossing private property without permission. The board also discussed and approved the schedule of payables, revenue and expense report, and a Then and Now resolution. A new Memorandum of Understanding with the Hamilton Parks Conservancy for Miami Woods was announced, including provisions for trail maintenance, programming, and invasive species removal, along with the introduction of goats for invasive species management. The board also discussed and approved finance policies and resolutions required for fiscal independence and the awarding of the Sebald Area Connector Road Contract. An executive session was held to discuss personnel matters and legal issues.