Resident urges transparency at nearby school board; administrator outlines community events, ladder-truck ceremony and police audit

During the Jan. 21 Hamilton Township meeting, resident Rusty Holman used the public-comment period to press trustees for greater transparency in local public meetings. Holman said he watched a recent Little Miami School Board meeting where two resolutions were presented and accepted with minimal audible discussion and no visible debate; he urged trustees to "speak up, be heard, and be transparent" and asked officials to "Tell people what's going on." The chair responded, "Fair point."

In the administrator's report, Jeff said township staff have been coordinating with organizers of the regional Homorama event and will designate one of the 16 days as a Hamilton Township Residents Day, offering a discounted entry and in-kind marketing support provided by partner ICRC at no cost to the township. Jeff encouraged opportunities for local nonprofits to fundraise at the event.

Jeff also announced a ladder-truck push-in ceremony at Station 76 at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7, and said the new ladder (Ladder 76) is in service replacing a more than 20-year-old ladder. He noted the vehicle will be showcased at an upcoming Ohio Township Association conference in Columbus and described positive vendor feedback on the apparatus.

On public-safety matters, Jeff said the township's police department received a favorable state LEADS audit and that staff from the department had been invited to present their field-training approach to other counties. The administrator described the audit as "passed with flying colors."

The comments by Holman were not acted on at the meeting; trustees acknowledged the comment but made no directive in response. Administration items announced for future action include planning for the 2027 capital budget and scheduling a formal swearing-in for a promoted employee.