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Resident challenges notice and executive‑session practices at Reading council meeting
Summary
At the Jan. 6 Reading City Council meeting, resident Bob Ashbrock urged more transparency about a Dec. 23 special meeting and alleged an Aug. 5, 2025 executive session was "irregular," saying a council member's school‑district employment may have created a conflict; the mayor and council members disputed the claim.
Resident Bob Ashbrock told Reading City Council on Jan. 6 that the Dec. 23 special meeting — which discussed resolutions related to a bond issue — had not given the public adequate notice and urged the city to use all available methods (website, Facebook, billing inserts) to ensure residents can weigh in on significant matters.
Ashbrock also criticized an Aug. 5, 2025 executive session, saying a motion to enter executive session was moved and seconded without the mover stating the reason, and that the session’s scope appeared to exceed what is permitted under the Ohio Revised Code. He added that because Council member Scott Thamann is an employee of the local school district, Thamann’s presence in that session “presented a conflict of interest.”
Mayor Robert “Bo” Bemmes responded that the December date change for the special meeting had been discussed multiple times and described the timing practice as routine: “Nobody did anything to try and hide anything, or violate anything. We’re as transparent as we can be.” President of Council Kevin Mattscheck said the agenda item had been described as a special meeting to consider appropriations and other city business and that audience participation was returned to the agenda so the public could comment once resolutions were available.
Council members gave varying responses. Shelly Kroeger told the audience, “As far as the executive session is concerned, you should have no idea what was discussed in executive session.” Law Director Dave Stevenson noted that the city follows legal guidance. Clerk of Council Carla Bronner said the Rules of Council do not state a 72‑hour posting requirement and asked for accuracy in public remarks going forward.
The council did not take formal action in response to Ashbrock’s request beyond the spoken clarifications. The allegations about the August executive session and a conflict of interest were disputed on the record by council leaders; no formal complaint or further process was recorded in the minutes.
