The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.  Members of the Board present were:  Mr. Kenneth Bryant, Mrs. Kathryn Wagner, Mr. Eric Minamyer, and Mr. John Borchers.

Also present:  Gerald Beckman - Township Administrator; Robert Malloy - Township Law Director; Carol Sims - Township Assistant Fiscal Officer; Lt. Dan Reid - Hamilton County Sheriff's Department; Otto Huber - Chief, Loveland Symmes Fire Department.

CHIEF DENNIS REES, HAMILTON COUNTY POLICE CHIEF'S ASSOC. - Recognized Jerry Beckman on behalf of "The Shield", an organization to benefit the families of fallen officers.

The Public Hearing on the proposed 2008 Budget was opened at 7:05 p.m.

MR. BORCHERS reviewed the 2008 Budget for the Board.  Mr. Borchers stated that Symmes Township is a healthy township.  This budget reflects expenditures similar to previous years.  The Fire/EMS funds are being watched due to increased costs for these services.  There are three funds (Fire, EMS and Safety Services) which are use for these expenditures.  The Finance & Audit Committee discussed the possibility of the Board changing the mix within the Safety Service levy for Fire/EMS and Police expenditures.

MR. MINAMYER requested Mr. Borchers to explain the procedure.

MR. BORCHERS advised this is the Tax Budget which causes the tax to be collected.  In December the Board will approve Temporary Appropriations to allow the Township to expend money until the Permament Appropriations are adopted in March.  Then in June the process repeats itself with the preparation of the tax budget for the upcoming year.  Appropriations can be amended by the Board anytime during the year as new expenditures occur.

Mr. Borchers advised that the Finance & Audit Committee reviewed this budget and has recommended approval.

MR. MINAMYER questioned the status of the Township's indebtness.

MR. BORCHERS advised the Township is using Tax Increment Financing money and the Safety Service fund to repay the debt for the new Safety Center.

MR. MINAMYER questioned where the proceeds from the sale of the Chapelsquare property will be credited.

MR. BORCHERS stated this property was purchased from Fire Fund money; however, the Board will need to decide where it will be credited.
MR. BRYANT advised he had attend the Finance & Audit Committee meeting and the Township is financially stable with a small surplus built into each fund and the Township is not deficit spending in any of the funds.  The Township is spending approximately $600,000 more this year than last year.

MR. BORCHERS stated the Township has been blessed with the support of the community, as well as good elected officials and staff to manage the budget.

MRS. WAGNER stated that Mr. Borchers does a great job.

GERALD BECKMAN -  Reported on activities in the township since the last meeting:

1.  MEADE HOUSE - Advised a proposal has been received from the Cincinnati Horticultural Society for the use of the Meade property.  Mr. Beckman stated he was pleased with the proposal and this will be on the next agenda.  Mr. Beckman questioned if the Board would like a representative at the next meeting.

MR. BRYANT questioned if this information should be placed on the website for public comment.

MR. MINAMYER stated he would like to wait until there is more solid information to provide to the residents.  Mr. Minamyer suggested that the Board direct the Township Law Director to proceed with the lease agreements for the Symmes Township Historical Society and the Cincinnati Horticultural Society.

2.  TOWNSHIP FLAG - Advised a flag has been prepared and questioned if the Board was in favor of the design.  The Board had no objection and directed the Township Administrator to prepare a resolution for the next meeting.

3.  PARK EXPANSION COMMITTEE - Reported the Township has received seven applications and questioned if the Board would like to hold interviews at the next meeting.  The Board had no objections.

4.  PARKING LOT - Reviewed the two proposals for the additional parking spaces at the Safety Center.  The proposal would provide an additional thirty-five (35) spaces.  One plan reflects access from Weekly Lane and the other provides access through the existing parking area.  The estimated cost would be $87,000.00.

The Board agreed that it preferred the access from Weekly and directed the Township Administrator to proceed with the development of the plans.

LT. REID -  Presented the May activity report.

MSD - Letter and plans regarding proposed sanitary for Patrilla and Plumhill.

BOB CARROLL - e-mail regarding accomplishments by Shaun Carroll.

SKEETS HUMPHRIES - Proposal for replacement garage doors at Service Building.

SHERIFF DEPT - April activity report.

PHYLLIS HARDERT, 8855 HUMPHREY - Request for Block Party permit.

ROBBINS, KELLY - Letter regarding billboard removal at 11433 Blong Road.

COUNTY ENGINEER - e-mail regarding meeting with officials and utility companies at Safety Center on June 15.
ADAM MALOFSKY - Application for Park Committee.

cc:WOOD & LAMPING to ROBBINS KELLY - Response to letter regarding billboard at 11433 Blong Road.

RICHARD ZINNECKER, 11458 ENYART RD - Public Records Request.

WORKERS COMP - Letter regarding Drug-Free Workplace Program.

McBRIDE DALE - e-mail regarding Master Plan.

WOOD & LAMPING - e-mail regarding Rozzi property.

JACOBS - e-mail regarding Lebanon Road sidewalks.

FICKS REED - Letter regarding park shelter rental.

BRAD MILLER, 11840 HAWTHORN - Application for Park Committee.

SYMMES FIRE DEPT - April 2007 activity report.

COUNTY AUDITOR - Notice of personal property tax refund for Walgreens ($72,251.03) to be deducted from 1st half settlement in 2007.

FMS - Proposal for work at Safety Center.

FARMERS INSURANCE - Letter regarding insurance claim with Barbara Napier.

cc:ANNIE CAMPBELL to SYMMES FIRE DEPT - e-mail regarding settlement on MVA billing.

OTARMA - Notice of change in insurance for new equipment.

HAMILTON COUNTY - MAY permissive tax computation report ($1,934.48).

LASER IMAGING - e-mail regarding granite wall.

ANNE RAMSEY - e-mail regarding Master Plan.

FELKAMP - Letter regarding problems at Safety Center.

ALEX RAWLINGS, 11978 STREAMSIDE - Application for Committee membership.

ANGELA RADAKOVICH - e-mail regarding Montgomery Road sidewalks.

EADS FENCE - Proposal for Hopewell Park.

JEFFREY PICKLE - e-mail regarding petitions to stop annexation by City of Loveland.

SYCAMORE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH - Letter regarding upcoming festival.

CLARK THEDERS - Letter regarding changes in insurance due to new equipment.

REP SCHNEIDER - Letter regarding SB 117.

FRANK GATES COMPANY - Letter regarding merger with Attenta.

WOOD & LAMPING - e-mail regarding Lebanon sidewalk issue.

OHIO DEPARTMENT OF LIQUOR CONTROL - Notice of new liquor license for P&D Enterprises, Inc., dba Schoolhouse Restaurant, 8031 Glendale Milford (45111)
HAMILTON COUNTY - HIP application for 8882 Humphrey.

DAVE TREMBLAY - Letter regarding proposed sidewalk sale for Harper's Station.

KIM MELSON - Letter regarding reservation for park shelter.

BUCKEYE FLAGS - Proposal for flags.

McBRIDE CLARION - e-mail regarding Master Plan.

TONY DOMANICO - e-mail regarding regulations for POD use.

PAYNE FIRM - Signed agreement.

OTARMA - Insurance documents.

FRANK GATES CO - Letter regarding continued participation in program.

SYMMES FIRE DEPT - May activity report.

JULIE PRESTON - e-mail regarding improvements to dog run.

ROBERT GOERING, HAMILTON COUNTY TREASURER - Notice of Collection of Inheritance Taxes ($3,691.72)

OHIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY - Response to application for National Register of Meade House.

COUNTY AUDITOR - Amended Certificate of Total Appropriations

WARNER CABLE - Letter regarding franchise renewal on April 15, 2010.

cc: COUNTY ENGINEER to SPURGEON ECKARD - Letter regarding Fields Ertel Corridor Study.

SPURGEON ECKARD, 8453 FIELDS ERTEL (45249) - Letter regarding Fields Ertel Corridor Study.

COUNTY ENGINEER - Information regarding conceptual study for Fields Ertel/Mason Montgomery.

cc:FIFTH THIRD BANK to NXFAZE - Financing commitment letter for Chapelsquare property.

KLEINGERS & ASSOC - e-mail regarding Weekly/Mason property issues.

CINTI HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY - Proposal for usage of the Meade property.

TANNER McFALL, 9133 DOMINION CIRCLE - Committee applications.

THELEN ASSOC - Field report for 2007 Resurfacing project.

DAVID TREMBLAY - e-mail regarding proposed Harper's Station Fall Event.

DEPT OF HEALTH - Letter regarding smoking ban.

MARK BERGER - e-mail complaint regarding condition of Worley Auction property.

MR. MINAMYER moved to appoint Phillip Temple, 8941 Symmes Trace (45140) to the Finance & Audit Committee effective immediately for the unexpired term ending July 18, 2010.  Mrs. Wagner seconded the motion and the roll call vote was as follows: Mr. Minamyer - 'aye'; Mrs. Wagner - 'aye'; Mr. Bryant - 'aye'.

The Board stated there were a number of highly qualified candidates and encouraged those not appointed to this committee to apply for future opportunities.

MR. BECKMAN advised the Township has received proposals from Hampton Publishing and Municipal Publications for the printing of a new Township map. Hampton Publishing, which is a local company, could supply 7,500 copies of a custom map with advertising solicited by its sales force. Municipal Publications does not have a sale representative in the area and Staff would have to sell the ads.

MR. BORCHERS questioned if the Township would be able to control the content of the advertising.

MR. BRYANT questioned if Hampton Publishing could be made aware of the Township's concerns.

MR. MALLOY mentioned that Hampton Publishing could establish standards for the acceptance of advertising for the Township map.

Mr. Beckman recommended that the Township contract with Hampton Publishing which would utilize less Staff time.  The Board had no objection to this recommendation and agreed that Hampton Publishing would monitor the advertising.

MR. MINAMYER moved to approve the proposed 2008 Budget as presented.  Mr. Bryant seconded the motion and the roll call vote was as follows: Mr. Minamyer - 'aye'; Mrs. Wagner - 'aye'; Mr. Bryant - 'aye'.

Mr. Minamyer moved to establish August 7, 2007 at 4:00 p.m. as the bid opening date for Lebanon Road sidewalk project.  Mrs. Wagner seconded the motion and the roll call vote was as follows: Mr. Minamyer - 'aye'; Mrs. Wagner - 'aye'; Mr. Bryant - 'aye'.

MR. MINAMYER reported that there is a large military wall of black granite which is being offered to the Township at a reduced price.  This wall was originally ordered by a city which failed to pay for it.  Laser Imaging, who is doing the plaques for the Blong Memorial Park, has offered this to the Township for $23,000.00.  Mr. Minamyer stated he felt the Board might want this have this type of memorial somewhere in the Township.

MR. BRYANT stated he was not in favor of this as there is no need to spend this type of money for a piece of granite.  There is currently a memorial space at the Blong Memorial Park to honor the military and there is no need to buy this item just because it is available.

MRS. WAGNER questioned how many military memorials are needed in the Township.

MR. BRYANT stated this would be a destination site; but there is still no need for the Township to spend $23,000.

MR. MINAMYER noted that the City of Loveland has a memorial area, as well as Blue Ash.  Mr. Minamyer stated he is not aware of another community besides Symmes Township which does not have a memorial just dedicated to veterans.

MR. BRYANT questioned if the Township has the infrastructure and resources to hold a memorial day parade.

MR. MINAMYER stated he does not see why the Township could not have a parade.  The Township just has the plaque at the Blong Memorial Park and there is nothing in the Township just dedicated to the military.

MRS. WAGNER stated it is a beautiful wall.  Mrs. Wagner expressed concern that the Township might have too much military, but would like to honor the men and women who fight for us.  Mrs. Wagner stated she would like to see this wall incorporated into a design.

MR. BECKMAN stated the wall could be a backdrop with paver bricks in front.  People would be interested in buying the bricks.

MR. BRYANT stated that different communities are doing these memorials, but they are raising the money from people.  Mr. Bryant stated he would be more in favor of a project funded like that instead of the Township spending $23,000.

MR. MINAMYER stated this is a very unique item and suggested that Mrs. Wagner and Mr. Bryant view the wall in person.

MR. BRYANT stated his original thought is whether the Township was interested in commissioning such an item or is the Township just interested because it is being offered at a special price.  The idea of selling bricks is appealing in order to offset the cost.

The Board agreed to table this item for further discussion at the August 7 meeting.

MR. MINAMYER moved to establish Permament Appropriation 1-A-19 (State Examiner's Fees) in the amount of $20,000.00 and approval of an expenditure in this amount for said services.  Mrs. Wagner seconded the motion and the roll call vote was as follows: Mr. Minamyer - 'aye'; Mrs. Wagner - 'aye'; Mr. Bryant - 'aye'.

Mr. Minamyer moved to approve:
                   a.      Additional expenditure (Then & Now) in the amount of $65.00 for the purchase of Thermal Imaging Camera
                   b.      Additional expenditure (Then & Now) in the amount of $714.00 for entrance signage for Safety Center
                   c.      Expenditure (Then & Now) in the amount of $1,188.00 for the purchase of mulch for Township parks
                   d.      Expenditure (Then & Now) in the amount of $1,280.00 from the Cemetery Bequest Fund for application of Block Guard Water Repellent to cemetery entrance walls
                   e.      Expenditure in the amount of $550.00 for minor repairs to cemetery headstones
                   f.      Expenditure in an amount not to exceed $3,000.00 for purchase of benches and other accessories for the Blong Memorial Park
                   g.      Additional expenditure in the amount of $3,260.00 for Lebanon Road sidewalk consultant fees
                   h.      Expenditure in the amount of $800.00 for wetland study on the Rozzi park property
                   i.      Expenditure in the amount of $5,047.60 for payment of temporary easements for Lebanon Road sidewalk project
Mrs. Wagner seconded the motion and the roll call vote was as follows: Mr. Minamyer - 'aye'; Mrs. Wagner - 'aye'; Mr. Bryant - 'aye'.

The Board had no objection to the new liquor license for P&D Enterprises, Inc., dba Schoolhouse Restaurant, 8031 Glendale Milford (45111).

MR. MINAMYER moved to hold a Special Meeting on August 14, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of awarding the contract for the Lebanon Road Sidewalk project and for discussion of lease agreements with the Symmes Township Historical Society and the Cincinnati Horticultural Society.  Mr. Bryant seconded the motion and the roll call vote was as follows: Mr. Minamyer - 'aye'; Mrs. Wagner - 'aye'; Mr. Bryant - 'aye'.

Mr. Minamyer moved that the Board enter Executive Session to consider the purchase of real property.  Mrs. Wagner seconded the motion and the roll call vote was as follows:  Mr. Minamyer - 'aye'; Mrs. Wagner - 'aye'; Mr. Bryant - 'aye'.

The meeting adjourned for Executive Session at 8:03 p.m.

The meeting reconvened from Executive Session at 8:18 p.m.

The meeting adjourned at 8:18 p.m.