Huber Heights council approves multiple contracts and infrastructure projects; directs review of police records software

Huber Heights — The Huber Heights City Council on Monday evening approved a series of ordinances and resolutions authorizing multi‑year contracts for financial software, infrastructure and park projects, and an exclusive naming‑rights agreement for the city aquatic center, and directed the city manager to form a committee to review the police department's records/dispatch software.

The measures, taken during the council's regular session March 24, passed unanimously by roll call. Council also heard a citizen question about sewer‑line insurance and received updates on personnel and upcoming community programs.

Why it matters: The council's votes authorize multi‑year contracts and capital projects that affect routine operations, the city's public infrastructure schedule and recreational assets. The committee ordered to review police records and dispatch software aims to examine an operational tool that council members and officers said is affecting day‑to‑day police work.

Council approved two multi‑year software contracts as separate resolutions. A five‑year contract with ClearGov Incorporated was approved to provide part of the city's financial software upgrade; a separate five‑year contract with Software Solutions Incorporated covers the larger portion of the city's financial package. City Manager John Russell said the purchases complete a multi‑year effort to modernize finance systems.

"I think I can, with your direction, we'll get a committee together, some leadership, some officers," Russell said when asked about next steps on police software and staffing, describing a process that would evaluate the department's current tools and return recommendations to council.

Council also approved an exclusive five‑year naming rights agreement with Kroger Limited Partnership I for the aquatic center; a contract to paint the Chambersburg water standpipe; improvements to Cottonwood Park; and upgrades to roads, sidewalks and a number of water and sewer projects included in the 2025 construction program. Many items were described by staff as annual or previously discussed work programs (for example, the 2025 sewer line rehabilitation and water main replacement programs).

Councilman Mark Campbell pressed for a formal review of police technology and operations, asking that the committee be chaired by a police officer and present a preliminary report within 30 days. "I'd like, at a meeting within the next 30 days, to have a preliminary report given to us by whoever would head that committee," Campbell said. Council agreed and Russell said he would assemble officers and staff to evaluate the current software and procurement options.

During citizen comment, resident Claudia asked whether the city's sewer rehabilitation work would change private insurance responsibilities for homeowners. Russell and staff responded that private policies covering service lines to a house remain between the homeowner and private insurers; the city's project covers public mains and rights of way.

Other notable approvals included: a moral claim for damages for repairs at 6997 Charles Gate Drive, authorization to increase the not‑to‑exceed amount and award a contract for a traffic signal mast arm installation at Bryant Pike and Fishburger Road, and authorization to solicit bids for janitorial consumables and uniform services for city buildings and personnel.

Votes at a glance: all measures below were adopted by roll call vote and recorded as carrying 9 to 0 unless otherwise noted. - Ordinance (10a): update and publication of City Code supplement 21 (second reading adopted) - Ordinance (11a): amend ward map to reflect annexation (waived second reading and adopted) - Ordinance (11b): transfers between city funds and amendment to ordinance 2024‑O‑2676 (waived second reading and adopted) - Resolution (11c): authorize 5‑year contract with ClearGov Incorporated for financial software (adopted) - Resolution (11d): authorize 5‑year contract with Software Solutions Incorporated for financial software (adopted) - Resolution (11e): authorize 5‑year exclusive naming rights agreement with Kroger Limited Partnership I for the aquatic center (adopted) - Resolution (11f): authorize moral claim for damages and repairs at 6997 Charles Gate Drive (adopted) - Resolution (11g): increase not‑to‑exceed amount and authorize contract for Bryant Pike/Fishburger Road mast arm traffic signal installation (adopted) - Resolution (11h): authorize contract(s) for 2025 sewer line rehabilitation program (adopted) - Resolution (11i): authorize contract(s) for 2025 water main replacement program (adopted) - Resolution (11j): authorize contract(s) for the 2025 sidewalk program and concrete portion of the 2025 street program (adopted) - Resolution (11k): authorize contract(s) for Brant Pike roadway improvements at Carriage Trails Parkway (adopted) - Resolution (11l): amend Resolution 2022‑R‑7153 to increase not‑to‑exceed amount for East Water Main Extension (adopted) - Resolution (11m): authorize contract for Chambersburg water standpipe painting (adopted) - Resolution (11n): authorize improvements to Cottonwood Park, including playground and crosswalk planning (adopted) - Resolution (11o): authorize agreement with LVT for security and asset protection in city parks (adopted) - Resolution (11p): authorize solicitation of bids for cleaning consumables and uniform services for city buildings and personnel (adopted)

Council comments and next steps: Councilmembers and staff highlighted recent personnel hires in police and fire divisions and noted public safety awards. Council directed City Manager John Russell to convene a committee — including police officers and relevant staff — to review the police records/dispatch software and related operations; Russell committed to assembling the group and returning recommendations to council. Campbell specifically requested that the preliminary committee report be presented within 30 days and that a police officer chair the committee.

The council meeting opened at 6:02 p.m. and adjourned at 6:54 p.m.