St. Bernard council reviews water-service notices, tax receipts and redevelopment plans

The St. Bernard Village Council met and received a series of administrative reports, including notice that Greater Cincinnati Water Works is contacting 256 properties about phased replacements of lead and galvanized steel service lines.

Mayor Stutchell announced the outreach and community events, saying the village will host the St. Bernard Police and Fire Benevolent Association steak fry at the Vine Street Park Pavilion on Sept. 13 and a fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House on Sept. 14. "Tickets are $20, include your steak, baked potato, salad, corn on the cob, and beverages," he said, and encouraged residents to buy tickets in advance.

Why it matters: utility-service-line replacements can affect residents’ properties and timelines for work when crews arrive; the council also votes on budget and ordinance items that determine how the village responds to infrastructure and redevelopment needs.

In a public-works update, Safety and Service Director Mr. Warden recognized the police department for a quick response to a vehicle-theft incident and told the council that "initial notices" from Greater Cincinnati Water Works have already begun for the 256 properties and that residents "may already be receiving emails or letters" but "have nothing to do at this point." He also reported semiannual gas monitoring at the former landfill found no combustible gas concentrations at or above compliance thresholds.

Tax Administrator Miss Helms presented August revenue figures: "Tax collections for August were $610,295," she said, noting the total is up 9.71% (about $53,991) from August 2023. She added refunds for the month were $5,137 and delinquent collections included $1,066.43 through Capital Recovery and $13,593.63 through the Ohio Attorney General’s office. Miss Helms reminded residents with tax extensions that Saint Bernard has mandatory filing and returns are due Oct. 15, 2024.

On redevelopment, Mayor Stutchell said the Community Improvement Corporation is soliciting demolition bids for the former First State Bank building and will finalize development plans once the remaining tenant relocates and site preparation is complete. "We are working on bids for the demolition," he said, and the CIC will finalize plans "once the property is cleared."

Law Director Ms. Van Valkenbrooke told council members the laws, contracts and claims committee reviewed proposed ordinances on a short-term/long-term rental lease agreement and on registration of vacant properties; she expects drafts to be circulated early next month for Committee of the Whole review.

Council actions during the meeting included routine approvals: the council approved the written minutes from the Aug. 22 meeting (motion by Mr. Schultmeyer; second by Mr. Esteb) and voted to place a resolution (listed in the meeting as resolution number 5-20-24) and an ordinance (referred to as ordinance number 29-20-24) "on the table" for future consideration (motion by Mr. Schultmeyer; second by Mr. Sholtmar). All recorded votes were taken by voice and passed with no opposition. The council later moved to adjourn (motion by Mr. Culbertson; second by Mr. Esteb) and the meeting ended.

Other business included announcements about a hazardous-collect waste day Sept. 18 (list of accepted materials provided by the service department), removal and maintenance of wooden park benches beginning in October, expected delivery of a new street sweeper and loader by month-end, a pedestrian-safety audit covering over 15 linear miles with results due Sept. 30, and upcoming recreation events (Halloween campout Oct. 11–12 and a pavilion concert Sept. 28).

The council listed one resolution and one ordinance on the agenda for the next meeting, scheduled for Sept. 26.