MR. BRYANT moved to adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION G-0903
Resolution Expanding Symmes Township
Community Reinvestment Area 1
WHEREAS, the Ohio Community Reinvestment Area Act (“The Act”), under Ohio Revised Code (O.R.C.) Section 3735.65, has authorized counties, with the consent and agreement of affected municipalities and townships therein, to designate areas as Community Reinvestment Areas; and
WHEREAS, Symmes Township Trustees (hereinafter “Trustees”) desire to pursue all reasonable and legitimate incentive measures to assist and encourage development in a specific area of the Township that has not enjoyed reinvestment from remodeling or new construction; and
WHEREAS, The Trustees hereby request the Hamilton County Commissioners to expand a Community Reinvestment Area by implementing sections 3735.65 through 3735.70 of the Ohio Revised Code to designate “Symmes Township Community Reinvestment Area 1”; making findings and determinations to establish the eligibility of the area described for designation as a Community Reinvestment Area; and
WHEREAS, a survey of housing as required by Section 3735.66 of the Ohio Revised Code (O.R.C.) has been prepared for the area to be included in the proposed Community Reinvestment Area and is attached to this Resolution as Exhibit A; and
WHEREAS, the maintenance and construction of structures in such area would serve to encourage economic stability, maintain real property values, and generate new employment opportunities; and
WHEREAS, the remodeling of existing structures or the construction of new structures in this Community Reinvestment Area 1 constitutes a public purpose for which real property exemptions may be granted.
WHEREAS, the Trustees believe that the expansion of the CRA is in the best interests of school districts. The CRA will provide an incentive to businesses to relocate or expand within the CRA, while ensuring that such reinvestment in commercial property will increase the tax base. Moreover, because the CRA has a target base that is commercial rather than residential, an exemption of taxes for a limited duration is not likely to burden any school system with additional students. Furthermore, school districts will not lose any taxes they currently receive and will, in fact, gain fifty (50%) percent of their portion of any increase in assessed valuation resulting from improvements to commercial, industrial and residential real properties in the CRA. The CRA provides an excellent opportunity to improve the economic climate of Symmes Township, which would only benefit the school districts. All the short-term burdens arising from the CRA, such as increased expenses of police patrols and firefighting would be borne by the Township. In the long term, school districts will benefit from an enhancement of its tax base with no impact on its present tax receipts. The Trustees believe that failure to act will result in a detrimental delay in the execution of the plans for the development of the CRA, which delay could negatively affect the feasibility of the CRA expansion and the opportunity for increased revenues for the Township and the school districts; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of Symmes Township recognizes the Indian Hill Exempted Village School District has expressed its categorical opposition to any and all forms of abatement or partial abatement of real estate tax revenues based on its desire to capture the full tax revenue stream available to it in order to further its fundamental mission of providing quality education to all students within the District.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Trustees of Symmes Township, Hamilton County, Ohio, for the benefit and welfare of Symmes Township and its citizens that:
Section 1. The area designated as the Symmes Township Community Reinvestment Area 1, constitutes an area in which housing facilities or structures of historical significance are located, and in which new construction or repair of existing facilities has been discouraged.
Section 2. Pursuant to O.R.C. Section 3735.66, Symmes Township Community Reinvestment Area 1, is hereby established in the following general area:
The approximate area for this CRA runs along Loveland-Madeira Road throughout Symmes Township. Portions of the following roads are included within the proposed CRA: Link Road, Glendale Milford Road, Remington Road, East Kemper Road, Twightwee Road, Adams Avenue, Victor Avenue, Jefferson Avenue, Washington Avenue, and Hopewell Road.
Only residential, commercial and industrial properties identified in Section 2 and indicated in Exhibits A and B are within the Community Reinvestment Area and consistent with the applicable zoning regulations are eligible for incentives granted herein.
Section 3. All properties identified in Exhibits A and B are within the designated Community Reinvestment Area 1 are eligible for this incentive. This CRA is a public/private partnership intended to promote and expand conforming uses in the designated area. As part of the CRA, Symmes Township intends to undertake supporting public improvements in the designated area.
If properties within the designated Community Reinvestment Area 1 are consolidated or subdivided, such properties shall continue to be eligible for this incentive. However, properties outside the designated area shall not be automatically considered part of the CRA designated area, even if consolidated with property previously included within the designated area.
Section 4. Within Symmes Township Community Reinvestment Area 1, the percentage of tax exemptions on the increase in the assessed valuation resulting from improvements to commercial and industrial real property and the term of those exemptions shall be as follows:
(a) The percentage up to fifty percent (50%) and term (up to 10 years) for existing commercial or industrial facilities shall be negotiated on a case-by-case basis in advance of construction or remodeling and according to the rules outlined in O.R.C. Section 3735.67 through 3735.673, and upon which the cost of remodeling is at least $5,000.
(b) The percentage up to fifty percent (50%) and term (up to 10 years) for new commercial or industrial facilities shall be negotiated on a case-by-case basis in advance of construction and according to the rules outlined in O.R.C. Section 3735.67 through 3735.673.
Commercial and industrial properties include, but are not limited to, retail properties, office properties, distribution facilities, service facilities, research and development facilities, laboratories, and manufacturing.
The results of the negotiation as approved by the Board shall be set in writing in a Community Reinvestment Area 1 Agreement as outlined by ORC §3735.671
For residential properties, tax exemptions on the increase in the assessed valuation resulting from improvements as described in O.R.C. Section 3735.67 shall be granted upon proper application by the property owner and certification thereof by the designated housing officer; the percentage and term of those exemptions shall be as follows:
(c) Fifty percent (50%) exemption for a period of ten (10) years for improvements to single-family residential properties, with a market value cap of up to $100,000 and upon which the cost of remodeling is at least $2,500.
(d) Fifty percent (50%) exemption for a period of ten (10) years for construction of new single-family residential properties with a market value cap of up to $100,000.
There shall be no exemptions for the construction of new multi-family residential properties. Multi-family residential properties include any residential property, which contains more than two (2 housing units.
Residential applications must be filed with the housing officer no later than six (6) months after construction completion.
If remodeling qualifies for an exemption, during the period of the exemption, a portion of the dollar amount of the increase in market value of the structure shall be exempt from real property taxation. If new construction qualifies for an exemption, during the period of the exemption, the exempted percentage of the structure shall not be considered an improvement on the land on which it is located for the purpose of real property taxation.
Section 5. Community Reinvestment Area 1 will remain in effect for three (3) years from the date it is established. The Symmes Township Board of Trustees reserves the right to re-evaluate the designation of Community Reinvestment Area 1 after the three year period, at which time the Board my direct the Housing Officer to continue to accept any new application for exemptions as described in O.R.C. Section 3735.67.
Section 6. Now therefore, be it resolved that the Board of Trustees recommends to the Hamilton County Commissioners and respectfully requests that the Commissioners establish a Community Reinvestment Area 1 in the form set out in Exhibits A and B, attached hereto and made a part hereof.
Section 7. Hamilton County Board of Commissioners acknowledge that the approval of any commercial or industrial agreement in Symmes Township Community Reinvestment Area 1 will first be approved by the Symmes Township Board of Trustees as a condition for the agreement to take effect. Hamilton County Board of Commissioners also acknowledge that Symmes Township may enter into an agreement with the Indian Hill School District, the Sycamore Community School District and/or the Loveland City School District in order to have the Township or a company receiving an incentive through an agreement to compensate the school district for tax revenues that they would have received had the property not been exempted from taxation.
MR. BECK seconded the motion.
MR. BECKMAN presented the Board with additional language for this proposed resolution for its review.
Mr. Beckman reported on today's meeting with Indian Hill School District. They have requested that the district's area along Loveland Madeira Road not be included in the CRA due to concern about increase in student population.
Mr. Beckman stated that there are three large residential parcels which are located in the Indian Hill School District. These parcels total approximately eighteen (18) acres. Mr. Beckman further stated that he offered that these parcels could be removed from the CRA and also offered to remove language regarding multi-developments. The district is meeting tonight and have requested the Board not to take action tonight in order to allow for additional discussions.
MR. BECK requested clarification regarding the additional language to the proposed resolution. The language provides that the school district would not lose any taxes they currently receive and will in fact gain 50% of their portion of any increase in assessed valuation resulting from improvements from commercial, industrial and residential real properties in the CRA for the allotted abatement term.
MR. BECKMAN stated that is correct. Mr. Beckman noted that the Board could remove those residential parcels, but recommended that the resolution be tabled in order to amend the exhibit.
MR. BECK moved to table Resolution G-0903 for one month to the March meeting with the additional information from Indian School Board. Mr. Bryant seconded the motion and the roll call vote was as follows: Mr. Bryant - 'aye'; Mrs. Wagner - 'aye'; Mr. Beck - 'aye'.
The Board agreed that they were not interested in removing the residential parcels.
Mr. Bryant moved to adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION G-0904
Authorizing and Directing an Agreement with SORTA to
Encourage and Facilitate the Public's Use of Mass Transit
WHEREAS, assembly points for use of mass transit bus systems provides a benefit that can reduce traffic, provide fuel savings for motorist and provides a desirable flexibility in the choices of motorized travel modes; and
WHEREAS, Symmes Township has existing parking spaces at locations that are feasible as collection points for passengers traveling to and from the downtown Cincinnati area; and
WHEREAS, the designation of such areas for use of park and ride facilities promotes the public health, safety and welfare for the reasons set forth above.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Trustees of Symmes Township, Hamilton County, Ohio:
Section 1. The Agreement with SORTA is hereby approved substantially in the form set forth as an Exhibit hereto, and the Board hereby authorizes and directs the execution of said Agreement as necessary to reasonably enhance the transportation options available to the citizens of Symmes Township.
Section 2. The Township Administrator is hereby authorized and directed to coordinate with SORTA by way of reasonably designating those areas reserved for use of the public to enable the appropriate merger and flow of private motor vehicles, pedestrians and buses, all the better to enhance the options for commuters in Symmes Township.
Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect and be enforced from and after the earliest period allowed by law.
MR. BECK seconded the motion and the roll call vote was as follows: Mrs. Wagner - 'aye'; Mr. Bryant - 'aye'; Mr. Beck - 'aye'.
Mr. Bryant moved to authorize the Township Administrator to enter into an agreement to ProAir Midwest for annual testing the air pack system and to approve an expenditure (Then & Now) in the amount of $650.00 for said services. Mrs. Wagner seconded the motion and the roll call vote was as follows: Mrs. Wagner - 'aye'; Mr. Bryant - 'aye'; Mr. Beck - 'aye'.
Mr. Bryant moved to approve Change Order #7 (to be applied against the allowance) in the amount of $2,753.97 for Meade Project for labor and material to complete the framing and drywall for pipe chase and drop ceiling in the ADA restroom. Mr. Beck seconded the motion and the roll call vote was as follows: Mrs. Wagner - 'aye'; Mr. Bryant - 'aye'; Mr. Beck - 'aye'.
Mr. Bryant moved to approve Change Order #8 (to be applied against the allowance) in the amount of $3,217.40 for Meade Project for labor and material to complete changes to two manhole bottoms that were on site prior to MSD changes, re-staking of sewer lines due to elevation changes, and moving of the drive entry ten (10) feet south per Hamilton County Engineer's Office. Mr. Beck seconded the motion and the roll call vote was as follows: Mrs. Wagner - 'aye'; Mr. Bryant - 'aye'; Mr. Beck - 'aye'.
Mr. Bryant moved to approve Change Order #9 (to be applied against the allowance) in the amount of $7,589.21 for Meade Project for labor and material to auger bridge piers. Mrs. Wagner seconded the motion and the roll call vote was as follows: Mrs. Wagner - 'aye'; Mr. Bryant - 'aye'; Mr. Beck - 'aye'.
Mr. Bryant moved to hire Mike Cotton, 1418 W. Loveland Avenue, Loveland, OH 45140 as intermittent employee effective February 4, 2009 at an hourly rate of $11.21. Mr. Beck seconded the motion and the roll call vote was as follows: Mrs. Wagner - 'aye'; Mr. Bryant - 'aye'; Mr. Beck - 'aye'.
Mr. Bryant moved to authorize the Township Administator to enter into a contract with Rumpke for trash removal at Township facilities. Mrs. Wagner seconded the motion and the roll call vote was as follows: Mrs. Wagner - 'aye'; Mr. Bryant - 'aye'; Mr. Beck - 'aye'.
Mr. Bryant moved to authorize the Township Administrator to enter into a contract with McGill Smith Punshon for aerial photography and mapping of the Rozzi property and to approve an expenditure in the amount of $11,500.00 for said services. Mr. Beck seconded the motion and the roll call vote was as follows: Mrs. Wagner - 'aye'; Mr. Bryant - 'aye'; Mr. Beck - 'aye'.
Mr. Bryant moved to authorize the Township Administrator to enter into an agreement with Bricker & Eckler for development of Architect contract, Architect contract with a Construction Manager (CM) and contract for a CM for the development of the Rozzi property and to approve an expenditure in the amount of $6,600.00 for said services. Mrs. Wagner seconded the motion and the roll call vote was as follows: Mrs. Wagner - 'aye'; Mr. Bryant - 'aye'; Mr. Beck - 'aye'.
Mr. Bryant moved to authorize the Township Administrator to enter into an agreement with Cincinnati Bell for telephone services at Township facilities. Mr. Beck seconded the motion and the roll call vote was as follows: Mrs. Wagner - 'aye'; Mr. Bryant - 'aye'; Mr. Beck - 'aye'.
Mr. Bryant moved to authorize the Township Administrator to enter into an agreement with The Payne Firm for consultant services on Rozzi property and to approve an expenditure in an amount not to exceed $14,500.00 for said services. Mrs. Wagner seconded the motion and the roll call vote was as follows: Mrs. Wagner - 'aye'; Mr. Bryant - 'aye'; Mr. Beck - 'aye'.
Mr. Bryant moved to authorize the Township Administrator to enter into an agreement with Eads Fence Company for purchase and installation of fence in Symmes Park Meadow and to approve an expenditure in the amount of $1,275.00 for said services. Mrs. Wagner seconded the motion and the roll call vote was as follows: Mrs. Wagner - 'aye'; Mr. Bryant - 'aye'; Mr. Beck - 'aye'.
Mr. Bryant moved to approve easement agreement with Duke Energy for electric facilities to serve 11600 Lebanon Road. Mr. Beck seconded the motion and the roll call vote was as follows: Mrs. Wagner - 'aye'; Mr. Bryant - 'aye'; Mr. Beck - 'aye'.
Mr. Bryant moved to establish employee reimbursement for cell phone in the amount of $700.00 to employees who use own phone/service and in the amount of $550.00 to employees who use Township phone with personal calls. Mr. Beck seconded the motion and the roll call vote was as follows: Mrs. Wagner - 'aye'; Mr. Bryant - 'aye'; Mr. Beck - 'aye'.
MR. BRYANT stated he felt the Board should discuss and decide on any special events at the beginning of each year in order to have a calendar reflecting these dates. Mr. Bryant noted that Egg Hunt was not held last year because of several reasons and noted that Easter is later this year but will be close to the Flower Show dates.
MRS. WAGNER stated she liked the Easter Egg Hunt, but expressed concern that there would not be sufficient time this year.
MR. BECK stated he has not heard anyone request the Egg Hunt, but have been told by many residents that they do enjoy Symmesfest, Fallfest and Operation Santa. Mr. Beck agreed that the Egg Hunt timeframe is close to the Flower Show.
MR. BRYANT stated that the Cincinnati Horticultural Society held its October event on a Friday and the Township held its event on Sunday. Mr. Bryant suggested that the Township work with the Horticultural Society in order to take advantage of the decorations. Mr. Bryant further suggested that the Township work with the Horticultural Society on obtaining their necessary permits for Fallfest.
MR. BECKMAN noted that it is up to the Horticultural Society to obtain their permits, but the Township will assist them.
The Board agreed not to hold the Easter Egg Hunt this year in order to focus on the Flower Show and to hold Symmesfest with the Symmes Fire Department in June and to hold Fallfest in October in conjunction with the Cincinnati Horticultural Society, as well as Operation Santa in December.
Mr. Bryant moved to approve the following expenses for special events:
a. An amount not to exceed $8,000.00 for Symmesfest in June;
b. An amount not to exceed $4,000.00 for Fallfest in October;
c. An amount not to exceed $5,000.00 for Operation Santa in December
Mr. Beck seconded the motion and the roll call vote was as follows: Mrs. Wagner - 'aye'; Mr. Bryant - 'aye'; Mr. Beck - 'aye'.
MR. BRYANT moved to table discussion of park names to the next meeting. Mr. Beck seconded the motion and the roll call vote was as follows: Mrs. Wagner - 'aye'; Mr. Bryant - 'aye'; Mr. Beck - 'aye'.
Mr. Bryant moved to approve tuition reimbursement in the amount of $349.00 for Willie Burns for Electrical Wiring - Residential Systems class at Live Oaks. Mrs. Wagner seconded the motion and the roll call vote was as follows: Mrs. Wagner - 'aye'; Mr. Bryant - 'aye'; Mr. Beck - 'aye'.
Mr. Bryant moved to authorize the Hamilton County Board of Elections to utilize Symmes Park in 2009 for the distribution of election materials. Mr. Beck seconded the motion and the roll call vote was as follows: Mrs. Wagner - 'aye'; Mr. Bryant - 'aye'; Mr. Beck - 'aye'.
Mr. Bryant moved to establish bid opening date of March 20, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. for the 2009 Resurfacing Project. Mrs. Wagner seconded the motion and the roll call vote was as follows: Mrs. Wagner - 'aye'; Mr. Bryant - 'aye'; Mr. Beck - 'aye'.
Mr. Bryant moved to establish Temporary Appropriation 1-D-5 (General - Cemetery Tools/Equipment) in the amount of $1,800.00. Mrs. Wagner seconded the motion and the roll call vote was as follows: Mrs. Wagner - 'aye'; Mr. Bryant - 'aye'; Mr. Beck - 'aye'.
Mr. Bryant moved to establish Temporary Appropriation 1-A-19 (General - State Examiner Charge) in the amount of $1,500.00. Mrs. Wagner seconded the motion and the roll call vote was as follows: Mrs. Wagner - 'aye'; Mr. Bryant - 'aye'; Mr. Beck - 'aye'.
Mr. Bryant moved to approve:
a. Expenditure in the amount of $1,748.07 for the purchase of second tent for cemetery
b. Expenditure (Then & Now) in the amount of $232.90 for State Auditor's service for IP review
c. Additional expenditure (Then & Now) in the amount of $24.71 for emergency repairs for Excursion
d. Expenditure (Then & Now) in the amount of $235.08 for batteries for M61
e. Expenditure (Then & Now) in the amount of $875.00 for alternator for M61
f. Expenditure (Then & Now) in the amount of $1,060.05 for the purchase of supplies for Operation Santa
g. Additional expenditure (Then & Now) in the amount of $1,500.00 for the construction of pad for transformer in Symmes Park
h. Expenditure in the amount of $1,883.00 for 2009 membership (based on 1/2 participation) in the Hamilton County Planning Partnership
i. Expenditure in an amount not to exceed $4,500.00 for the purchase of gravel to establish a driveway/parking area in the meadow
j. Expenditure in an amount not to exceed $2,000.00 for contractor to prepare area for driveway/parking area in the meadow
k. Expenditure (Then & Now) in the amount of $335.63 for container for Brush Drop-Off
l. Expenditure in the amount of $917.00 for the purchase of wireless microphone
m. Expenditure (Then & Now) in the amount of $1,014.36 for emergency repairs to pressure washer
n. Expenditure in the amount of $5,250.00 for containers for Brush Drop-Off
o. Expenditure in the amount of $10,500.00 for containers for Clean-Up Days
p. Expenditure in the amount of $3,300.00 for 2009 aircards and cell phones for the Symmes Fire Department
q. Expenditure in the amount of $695.00 for annual aerial inspection/test
r. Expenditure in an amount not to exceed $11,963.00 for restoration of Royal property due to storage of storm debris
s. Expenditure in the amount of $1,100.00 for removal of trees on Safety Center properties
t. Expenditure in the amount of $1,200.00 for annual aerial inspection and service for T61
u. Expenditure in the amount of $1,399.28 for the purchase of slag material
v. Expenditure in an amount not to exceed $4,000.00 for 1st half 2009 EMS supply re-stock
w. Expenditure in an amount not to exceed $2,000.00 for 1st half 2009 drug re-stock
x. Expenditure in the amount of $1,775.00 for the purchase of intake relief valves for T61 and E15
y. Expenditure in an amount not to exceed $20,000.00 for 4th Quarter 2008 franchise fees
Mr. Beck seconded the motion and the roll call vote was as follows: Mrs. Wagner - 'aye'; Mr. Bryant - 'aye'; Mr. Beck - 'aye'.
MR. BRYANT moved to table approval of an expenditure in an amount not to exceed $66,000.00 for burn pit excavation for Rozzi park. Mr. Beck seconded the motion and the roll call vote was as follows: Mrs. Wagner - 'aye'; Mr. Bryant - 'aye'; Mr. Beck - 'aye'.
Mr. Bryant moved to authorize the Trustees, Fiscal Officer, Assistant Fiscal Officer and Office Assistant to attend Local Government seminar on April 23 - 24, 2009 in Columbus, Ohio and approve reimbursement of related expenses. Mr. Beck seconded the motion and the roll call vote was as follows: Mrs. Wagner - 'aye'; Mr. Bryant - 'aye'; Mr. Beck - 'aye'.
The Board approved the following cemetery deed:
- Liz Gregory - KERR - Lot 512, Grave 7 |
Minutes
