Council leaves 1500 Building stabilization resolution in limbo after tied-vote dispute

North College Hill City Council on its August meeting did not act on a proposed resolution to approve a contract with RWB Properties and Construction to stabilize the North College Hill City Center (the “1500 Building”) after an attempt to add the item to the agenda failed in a roll-call vote.

The resolution, identified in council paperwork as Resolution 12-2025 and described by staff as seeking to “declare an urgent necessity in accordance with Ohio Revised Code section 735.051 and to declare an emergency,” was the subject of a short legal explanation and extended public comment. The council debated procedural questions after members said a previous special meeting produced a 2–2 split vote on the same item.

Law Director Deters told the council that a 2–2 split from the earlier special meeting left the matter neither passed nor failed. “It really didn't pass, but it really didn't fail either. So it's just like as a no vote under the rules,” he said, and advised council to consult Robert's Rules of Order for guidance that the measure “doesn't pass and it hasn't failed. So it's just still sitting there as if it wasn't voted on.”

Council Member Underwood moved to amend the agenda to add Resolution 12-2025 for third reading; Miss Chichester seconded. The roll-call vote produced three votes in favor (Chichester, Wilson, Underwood) and four against (Orban, Gaston, Alexander, Davis), and the motion failed. Because there was no further council action on the resolution, staff said the item remains pending and may return to committee.

City Administrator Duxtine summarized the practical consequences council faces while the building remains in its current state. She said the city will incur an abandoned-building fee and other carrying costs while a final decision is unresolved. “We will have to take on the abandoned building fee … Thousands. Thousands of dollars. Per month. Starting in September 2025,” Duxtine said, adding that the city must move quickly if it intends to use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for a preservation project because funding rules and use deadlines limit options.

Representatives of community organizations urged clearer direction. Maurice Thomas, commander of DAV Chapter 115, said veterans’ groups that previously used space in the building are left uncertain. “We have our chapter meeting tomorrow … We have nowhere to take the individual,” Thomas said, asking council to provide a firm plan for whether the city will refurbish, tear down or otherwise resolve the property.

Resident Ambria Hightower, who requested an honorary street name for a neighborhood teenager during public comment, linked her remarks to the building issue and asked council to consider community needs when deciding the structure’s future. Hightower also urged the council and the neighboring Springfield Township to act with transparency on public requests that affect divided jurisdictions.

Council members and administration also discussed constraints on using ARPA funds, the timing of required work, and the risk of losing the opportunity to apply grant money if the project does not start within the federal timeframe. Administration told council it would supply additional documentation to committees and that the item will be revisited in committee rather than decided at the full council meeting.

Next steps: staff said the matter will be returned to the appropriate committee for further review and that administration will provide the technical and financial details requested by council. No contract award or final council decision was made at the meeting.