In Council action:

• City Manager Milton Dohoney introduced the City’s new Finance Director, Mr. Reginald Zano.
• Sent to Budget & Finance committee an ordinance to appropriate to public use the property required for the improvement of the Waldvogel Viaduct replacement project.
• Sent to Budget & Finance committee an ordinance for a Restaurant Lease Agreement with MLH Cincinnati USA LLC for the property designated as Lot 20E on the plat of The Banks Phase V, which property is currently not needed and during the term of the Lease is not likely to be needed for any municipal purpose.
• Sent to Budget & Finance committee an ordinance for a grant of $10,000 from Liberty Mutual to provide funding for the “All American Birthday Party” which is the City’s Fourth of July celebration on July 4.
• Sent to Budget & Finance committee an ordinance for a grant of $350,000 from the US Dept. of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services to fund development of a program to institutionalize problem-solving within all ranks and sections of the the Cincinnati Police Department utilizing the Stratified Problem-Solving model.
• Sent to Budget & Finance an ordinance for a grant from the Department of Justice for $625,000 for acquisition of equipment for upgrades to the 800 MHz Safety Radio System.
• Sent to Budget & Finance committee an ordinance for a Construction and Funding Agreement with Washington Park Restoration LLC for redevelopment of Washington Park.
• Sent to City Planning Commission and Budget & Finance committee an ordinance for the sale of unnamed alleys between Providence Street and Central Parkway.
• Sent to City Planning Commission and Budget & Finance committee an ordinance for the sale of surplus City-owned property bounded by Central Parkway, Colerain Ave., Bates Ave. and Sassafras Street to the State of Ohio for the reconstruction of I-75.
• Sent to Public Safety committee an ordinance for terms and conditions for the presentation of “Equinox Cincinnati” by the Greater Cincinnati Gay Chamber of Commerce on Fifth Street from Vine to Walnut beginning at 6 a.m. on Sunday, July 4 and ending at 2 a.m. on Monday, July 5.
• Filed a memo from Mayor Mallory appointing Vice Mayor Roxanne Qualls chair of the Budget & Finance committee.
• Passed a resolution expressing Council’s intent to work cooperatively with Hamilton County officials to create a County Land Reutilization Corporation to address the problems of vacancy, abandonment and blight, and provide additional tools for responsible economic and housing development in the region.
• Passed an ordinance to amend the Municipal Code to require residence in the City of any City officers holding titles of City Manager, Assistant City Manager or Director.
• Approved and filed a report regarding Cincinnati Bicycle Transportation Plan.
• Adopted a motion directing the administration to research and report to the Quality of Life committee on the feasibility of the City adopting the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financial model giving townships and municipalities in Ohio the authority to expand upon traditional land-secured municipal finance means to offer funding to property owners for installing solar systems and making energy efficiency improvements.
• Approved and filed a report regarding enhanced recycling.
• Passed an ordinance for a permit for a press event hosted by the Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau on June 24 from 1:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and allowing sound amplification on Fountain Square.
• Passed an ordinance authorizing implementation of a Downtown Mobile Food and Beverage Vendor Pilot Program beginning June 28, 2010 and continuing until June 27, 2011.

• Sent to Rules Committee a motion that the Government Operations Committee be regularly scheduled to meet on Week A Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.
• Passed a resolution recognizing the lifelong contributions of Jude Julia Stautberg and expressing sympathy on her passing.
• Sent to Government Operations committee a resolution expressing support for the authority of the Colerain Township Trustees, the Colerain Township Zoning Commission and all local political subdivisions to determine zoning matters within their jurisdiction.
• Sent to Budget & Finance committee an ordinance for a grant of up to $1.2 million from the State of Ohio Revitalization Fund for remediating lead contaminated soil at the Blue Ash Airport.
• Sent to Budget & Finance committee ordinances for a Community Reinvestment Area Tax Exemption Agreement, nonrefundable tax credit for creation of new jobs,  and an Agreement for Sale of City Property for Redevelopment with Eurostampa North America.
• Sent to City Planning Commission and Budget & Finance committee an ordinance to execute an Agreement of Lease with 700 Broadway Partners LLC for lease of an unnamed dead-end alley off Culvert Street north of and adjacent to newly renovated office building known as the KZF Design Building located at 700 Broadway Street.
• Sent to Government Operations committee a report regarding Charter Amendment to fill council vacancies by special election.
• Sent to Public Safety committee an ordinance for terms and conditions for Festival 513 July 30-August 1.
• Sent to Quality of Life committee an ordinance for a permit for a press event to be hosted by the Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau on June 24 on Fountain Square from 115 p.m. to 330 p.m.
• Sent to Public Safety committee an ordinance for terms and conditions for 2010 Hyde Park Farmers Market by the Hyde Park Business Association in Hyde Park Square on Sundays from July 4 through September 5, 2010.
• Adopted a motion that the administration implement a Google Premier pilot program using funds saved from IT consolidation and that the administration report back to Council on the success of the pilot, feasibility of system-wide implementation and any potential cost savings before release of the Manager’s proposed 2010-12 budget.
• Passed a resolution declaring Council’s intent to appropriate parcels of real property for the road project known as Dana Avenue, victory Parkway to I-71.
• Passed a resolution (Berding, excused) expressing Council’s opposition toward Hamilton County Commissioner Hartmann’s proposal to eliminate the $110 million University Hospital subsidy to assist in achieving solvency within its Stadium Fund.
• Passed a resolution expressing Council’s support to use the indigent care trust fund surplus to support the Cincinnati Health Dept.’s indigent care program.
• Passed an ordinance to grant permanent aerial easements to Trinity Flats LLC.
• Passed an ordinance to execute a Community Reinvestment Area Tax Exemption Agreement with 1400 Race LLC.
• Passed an ordinance to execute a Community Reinvestment Area LEED Tax Exemption Agreement with Highland MOB LLC.
• Passed an ordinance to fund Dana Avenue Improvements, for street and streetscape on Dana Avenue between I-71 interchange and Victory Parkway.
• Passed an ordinance to extend a loan from federal HOME funds to St. Paul Village I, Inc. for rehabilitation of property at 5115 Madison Road into housing for very low income and low income households.
• Passed an ordinance to execute a Funding Agreement with Nehemiah Manufacturing Company LLC.
• Passed an ordinance to execute a Funding Agreement with The A & B Deburring Company.
• Passed ordinances for Community Reinvestment Area Tax Exemption Agreement, Grant of Driveway Encroachment Easement, and Agreement of Lease with the American Can Building LLC.
• Passed an ordinance fore issuance, sale and delivery of not to exceed $10 million in Economic Development bonds or notes (The Banks Project).
• Passed ordinance to confirm dedication of streets for Lincoln Court South Subdivision, Lincoln Court North Subdivision, City West North Phases I and II.
• Passed an ordinance for terms for the 2010 Hyde Park Blast on June 26-27.

In Council action:

• Held one week the appointment of Louise Spiegel and George Wharton, and Dr. Seyed Moussavian to the Cincinnati Human Relations Commission; and Christopher McDowell to the Cincinnati Elections Commission.
• Sent to Rules committee a motion that Room 356 City Hall be permanently designated the Office of the Vice Mayor effective June 1, 2010.
• Sent to Quality of Life committee a motion that the administration report on the implementation plan for enhanced curbside recycling before the 2010 summer recess.
• Sent to Budget & Finance committee an ordinance authorizing employees of the Office of Environmental Quality to solicit and accept donations for use in hosting the Energy-Economic-Environment (3E) Employee Energy Fair tentatively scheduled for Sept. 28, 2010.
• Sent to Budget & Finance committee an ordinance approving an agreement with Surgical Appliance Industries Inc. a nonrefundable credit against tax imposed on net profits in the amount of 55% of new income tax revenues from new jobs created at 3960 Rosslyn Drive for a five-year term.
• Sent to Budget & Finance committee an ordinance for a grant of $200,000 from the Ohio Dept. of Transportation, Office of Aviation to fund rejuvenation of runway 3R/211 at Lunken Airport.
• Sent to Budget & Finance committee an ordinance for a Community Reinvestment Area LEED Tax Exemption Agreement with 65 West LLC for construction of a new building at 65 West McMillan at an estimated construction cost of $16.687 million.
• Sent to City Planning Commission and Budget & Finance committee an ordinance for an Option Agreement with Providence Street Associates LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Samuel Adams Brewery Company for property located at 1660 Central Avenue, and an ordinance for the sale of City property for redevelopment of portions of Providence Street south of Findlay and Livingston between Providence and Central Avenue for the expansion of the Samuel Adams Brewery business.
• Passed ordinances for funding of energy conservation improvements in City parking facilities, Health Dept. facilities and recreation centers, including accepting grants from Duke Energy Smart Saver Program.
• Passed an ordinance for funding energy efficiency improvements at Lunken Airport Administration Building and Control Tower.
• Adopted a motion that the Administration review the research and proposed plan for mobile food vending and issue a report of recommendations for amending the applicable vending ordinance to allow owners of mobile food and drink vehicles to operate in the Downtown Vending District.

Mayor Mallory presided.  Council member Ghiz was excused.

In Council action:

• Confirmed appointment of Clint Watson to the Cincinnati Elections Commission and Jens Sutmoller to the Lunken Airport Oversight Advisory Board.
• Referred a communication from Timothy Mara regarding conflict of interest by Council member Bortz to the Government Operations committee.
• Sent to Budget & Finance committee a motion that Council roll back the 2011 general fund millage to the level that will continue to generate $28.9 million in annual property tax collection.
• Sent to Budget & Finance a motion by members Monzel and Winburn that the administration provide council with a monthly status report with an accounting of all funds from all sources related to the proposed streetcar system.
• Sent to Budget & Finance committee ordinance authorizing Performance Contracting–Energy Conservation Improvements, and appropriating grants from Duke Energy Smart Saver Program in the form of rebates to the City  for renewable energy projects and other energy efficiency projects.
• Sent to Budget & Finance committee a property investment reimbursement agreement with Keidel Supply Co. in which the company agrees to develop a renovation project at 1150 Tennessee Avenue and to create and retain new jobs.
• Sent to Public Safety Committee an ordinance for terms and conditions of CitiRama by the Home Builders Association and the City at Rockford Woods phase 2 on Hassman Court in Northside May 26-June 13.
• Adopted a motion that the city administration and Hamilton County administration initiate a process to further analyze the consolidation and sharing of maintenance and use of heavy equipment between the government entities.
• Passed ordinances (Monzel, Winburn voting no) to provide funding urban redevelopment and the for the streetcar development.
• Passed an ordinance for infrastructure improvements within the former NuTone site at 4820 Red Bank Road.
• Passed an ordinance authorizing The Banks Police Facility funding.
• Passed an ordinance designating part of the property known as the James N. Gamble House as historic district overlay.
• Passed a resolution declaring Council’s intent to appropriate to public use certain parcels of property for the road project known as the Kennedy Connector.
• Passed an ordinance (Bortz, Berding, Monzel voting no) authorizing funding for purchase of recycling carts for use in the City’s enhanced recycling program.

Mayor Mallory presided.

In Council action:

• Held one week the appointment of Jens Sutmoller to the Lunken airport Oversight Advisory Board to fill the at large seat previously held by James J. Carroll.
• Held one week the appointment of Clint Watson to the Cincinnati Elections Commission.
• Sent to Budget & Finance committee an ordinance for a City Funding Agreement with Gateway II LLC for $982,182 to assist in the redevelopment of property located at 1418 and 1422 Race Street.
• Sent to City Planning Commission and Budget & Finance committee an ordinance authorizing sale of part of Ledgewood and Herald Avenues north of Dana Avenue to Xavier University.
• Passed an ordinance for terms and conditions for Second Sundays on Main Street, for activities May 9, June 13, July 11, August 8 and September 12.

How can you help?

We need volunteer advocates to personally communicate to state legislators about the benefits of increasing Ohioans’ access to clean energy solutions. You do not have to be an expert on these issues. We will provide training and materials to assist you with this work and place you with a team of advocates.

 Tuesday, May 11, 2010 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

 Light breakfast, lunch, and materials will be provided at no cost to you.

 Registration

 Registration Deadline: ASAP

Lobby Day Date: May 11, 2010

To register, please email sierralobbyday@gmail.com with the following information:

Last Name: 
                              
First Name:

Email:

State House and Senate District:

Dietary preference (e.g., Vegan, Vegetarian, other)? Please describe:

Time constraints (leaving early/arriving late)? Please describe:

Do you have any previous lobbying experience? Please describe:

Are you affiliated with any of Sierra Club’s partners or do you have other experience with clean energy? Please describe:

Membership dues support environmental advocacy activities like this one.  Are you a member?:

Thank you for taking the time to fill out the registration for the Clean Energy Lobby Day!

For more information or assistance: sierralobbyday@gmail.com or 614.461.0734 ext 301

Calling all Streetcar Supporters

City Council will vote on Monday, April 19th at 1:00 pm on whether to approve $2,585,000  in City funding for the streetcar.   This project is a top priority for CincyPAC, and we encourage all members to:

1. Show up at City Hall 15 minutes early, fill out a card to speak, and speak in support of the need for this local commitment at the Budget meeting.
2. Contact City Council members today to let them know you need their “yes” vote. 

We need you!

Related CincyPAC Core Value:

Adequate Public Transportation: Promoting a multi-modal transportation plan that includes: street car, light rail, improved Metro bus service and bike trail access and expansion. 

A multi-faceted approach is needed.  Metro Bus routes, fees and schedules should be considered to promote efficiency and ease in travel.  The extension and up keep of bike trails should be continued, as many of our citizens are looking for a truly green alternative in transportation and recreation.  A street car should also be supported that would connect downtown and uptown in the first phase.  Finally, the city should work together with the region towards the long term goal of acquiring a light rail system. Cincinnati is in the midst of redefining its transportation needs and assessing how we can bring better transportation options to its citizenry.  A multi-faceted approach is needed.  Metro Bus routes, fees and schedules should be considered to promote efficiency and ease in travel.  The extension and up keep of bike trails should be continued, as many of our citizens are looking for a truly green alternative in transportation and recreation.  A street car should also be supported that would connect downtown and uptown in the first phase.  Finally, the city should work together with the region towards the long term goal of acquiring a light rail system.

Cincinnati must ensure that the youngest members of our community are equipped with the knowledge and life skills to succeed as thoughtful citizens and productive members of our city’s workforce.  That work starts in our schools, where we support adequate funding, teacher and principal accountability, and strong community involvement.  Strong schools bolster strong communities, stabilizing home ownership, promoting neighborhood safety, and anchoring property values. We believe education must be among Cincinnati’s top priorities.

SOME FACTS ABOUT 3C PASSENGER RAIL:

What do we get for $400 million?

·         $400 million will get 3C “Quick Start” prepared for opening day: finalize engineering and environmental work, upgrade tracks and signaling systems, negotiate operating agreements with the freight railroads, work with the public on station and service details, construct tracks and stations, buy train cars and finalize service schedules.

·         This federal grant does not require any local match from the State of Ohio to be used; however, it can only be used to implement the Quick Start of the 3C Passenger Rail Service, or must be returned to the Federal Rail Administration to be used for another project within the country.

How will you pay for the operation of this train, given the state’s tight budget?

-         The 3C “Quick Start” includes a 20 year business model that showed a financial plan, based upon projected operational costs, needed investments, and anticipated revenues.

-         Based on numbers provided by Amtrak, ODOT estimates that annual revenue – including ticket sales – from the initial 3C “Quick Start” service will generate approximately $12.2 million each year. It is also estimated that Ohio would need about $17 million in additional annual state investment to operate the train. This is how the state intends to cover that $17 million annual cost using non-gas-tax dollars:

-        Existing federal grant dollars (CMAQ funds) for the first three years of operation, which doesn’t start until at least 2012 (beyond the current fiscal biennium).

-        Revenues currently received by ODOT through its blue sign/brown sign highway advertising program.

-        Future revenues from private sources corridor & train naming rights, advertising revenues, franchise fees for on-board and station concessions.

-        Local participation through financing mechanisms such as port authorities, tax increment financing districts (TIF) and transportation innovation authorities (TIA)

Why start with 79 mph?  Why not 110 mph or faster?

-         Even among the world’s premier high-speed rail systems, nations did not make the leap from zero to 200-plus mph in a single step. They built service incrementally as passenger demand grew.

-         Ohio’s eventual goal is for a system of frequent 110-mph trains operating both within the state and connecting to neighboring states. Existing tracks can be upgraded to accommodate maximum speeds of 110 mph, which is the speed called for in the Ohio Hub Plan. Trains traveling faster than 110 mph would require new tracks.

-         The 3C “Quick Start” lays the foundation for more and better trains in more Ohio corridors. In fact, ODOT/ORDC committed $7 million in new funding (approved by the TRAC) to begin environmental impact reviews on Cleveland-Pittsburgh, Cleveland-Toledo-Detroit, Columbus-Toledo and the 3C Corridors for future 110-MPH service.

-         While there are different planning and engineering requirements for the various speed scenarios, all began with systems operating at conventional speeds and incrementally improved performance. This includes gradual upgrades to the existing rail infrastructure and, once trains begin running, incremental improvements to the speeds and schedules.

-         It is worth noting that most of the nation’s growing passenger rail corridors currently operate at conventional speeds up to 79 mph. What they have learned is that passengers care most about trains that are frequent and on-time, as well as being able to spend quality, productive time to conduct business, rest or read a book while on board.