WEST CARROLLTON CITY COUNCIL NEIGHBORHOOD FOCUS GROUP MEETING

Held February 17, 1998

PRESENT: Mayor Maxine Gilman; Council Members, William Gordon, Bill Ennis, Daryl Garrison, Jack Jensen, Linda Lotspaih, Jeffery Sanner; City Manager, G. Tracy Williams; Guests: Brian A. Bergen, 238 Grantwood Drive; John Steele, 313 Heincke Road; and Kathryn Fortkamp, 870 Cherry Blossom Drive.

FOCUS GROUP MEETING

The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m.

Mayor Gilman expressed appreciation to the three citizens for attending this Neighborhood Focus Group meeting and asked if they had any comments regarding the City. Mr. Bergen inquired about the possibility of the City paying for needed curb and sidewalk repairs, and indicated that he thought this was possibly done in other cities. City Manager Williams explained that under State law, the cities in Ohio are allowed to assess the cost of these repairs to the abutting property owner, and that the City allowed the property owners to either pay for the needed repairs in one lump sum, or it could be spread over a number of years as a property tax assessment. Further, it was noted that a property owner could either do the work themselves or hire their own contractor if they preferred not to have the City’s contractor perform the work. Also, Mr. Bergen stated that he felt the City should continue to focus on economic development in order to strengthen the City’s tax base.

Mr. Steele stated that he and his wife had lived in West Carrollton previously before moving to Cincinnati and chose West Carrollton when they moved back from the Cincinnati area because they were very satisfied with the quality of services provided. He indicated that he thought the idea of holding these Neighborhood Focus Groups was excellent, and also indicated that they appreciated the City’s recreation programs, as well as other City services. He indicated that he had no complaints concerning City services.

Mrs. Fortkamp stated that she had lived here for approximately twenty-seven years and has been very satisfied with City services. She stated that when she did have concerns and called City officials, the matter was taken care of very promptly.

Mayor Gilman thanked everyone for attending this Focus Group meeting and expressed appreciation for their comments. She further added that if the City could ever be of assistance in any way to please contact us.

The meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:40 p.m.

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