Votes at a glance: Loveland City Council approves naming, contracts and appointments; sets public hearing on entertainment district

Loveland City Council handled a slate of routine and substantive votes at the meeting, approving minutes, adopting ordinances and resolutions, and setting a public hearing on a proposed entertainment district.

The council unanimously approved the minutes of the Jan. 28, 2025 meeting by a 7‑0 roll call.

Ordinance 16, approving the naming of a roadway as William Cobway, was adopted by a unanimous roll call vote, 7 to 0.

Resolution 17 authorized the city manager to accept a proposal from Consulting Services Incorporated (CSI) for construction‑related special inspections for Fire Station 63. Staff said foundations are being poured and that special inspections (concrete, soils, structural steel, masonry) are required by building code; the city will enter a time‑and‑materials contract with CSI not to exceed $50,000. The resolution passed by roll call vote, 7 to 0.

Resolution 18 awarded right‑of‑way acquisition consulting services for the Loveland Madera Road Phase 3 ODOT systemic safety sidewalk project to OR Follin Associates LLC for $55,100. Staff said 90 percent of the service cost will be reimbursed by ODOT, leaving an estimated city share of $5,510. The resolution passed 7 to 0.

On personnel matters, council heard a first reading of an ordinance amending the classification of the marketing and communications coordinator from full‑time to part‑time and repealing Ordinance 2024‑70; the item was presented for a first reading only and did not require a vote.

Council also set a public hearing on March 11, 2025, at or about 7 p.m. to accept public comment on an application to expand the Loveland South Community Entertainment District; the motion to set the hearing carried 7 to 0. Staff said the process requires public notice and review by the Ohio Division of Liquor Control after local authorization.

The mayor recommended the appointment of Doug Hearn to the Parks and Recreation Board. Sherry Hamlin, speaking during open forum as a Parks and Recreation Board member, urged council not to appoint Hearn because he serves as first vice president of the Loveland Youth Football Organization and would face a direct conflict on field use policy revisions; she recommended considering him for another committee. Council moved to affirm the appointment; during the roll call Councilman Horry said he would abstain, but the clerk announced the motion carried. The clerk recorded the roll call for the appointment with Mayor Bailey, Councilman Bateman, Councilman Goodyear, Councilman Hart, Vice Mayor Phelps and Councilman Ping voting yes; the clerk announced the motion carried.