In the minutes: Reading 08-04-26 Council Minutes (Regular), Flock Camera (Aug 4)

CITY OF READING, OHIO
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – REGULAR SESSION
AUGUST 04, 2026 – 7:30 PM

For the full detail of this evening’s Council Meeting, please visit www.watchreadingohio.com.

CALL TO ORDER
President of Council, Kevin Mattscheck, called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
President of Council, Kevin Mattscheck, led those in attendance in a prayer and then the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Council Members Present: Mr. Powell, Mr. Bronner, Mr. Bishop, Mr. Boehner, Mr. Thamann, Mrs. Kroeger,
& Mrs. Eadicicco.
OTHER CITY OFFICIALS PRESENT:
Mayor Bo Bemmes, Law Director Dave Stevenson, Treasurer Brenda Owens & Clerk of Council Carla Bronner.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Motion to approve the July 21, 2026, Council Meeting Minutes made by Mrs.
Eadicicco, seconded by Mrs. Kroeger. Motion carried by voice vote.
AUDIENCE ASKING PARTICIPATION:
(1) Gary Sameulson: Requested no parking on one side of on Trillium. Motion made by Mr. Powell, seconded by Mr.
Eadicicco to put this topic into Shelly Kroeger’s Safety Committee Meeting. Motion carried by 7-0 roll call vote.

COMMUNICATIONS: NONE
GUEST SPEAKERS: NONE
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Motion made by Mrs. Kroeger, seconded by Mrs. Eadicicco, to enter into Executive Session, for purpose of “discussing the
disposition of property.” Motion carried by a 7-0 roll call vote. Council entered Executive Session at 7:35 p.m.
Motion made by Mr. Boehner, seconded by Mr. Thamann, to come out of Executive Session at 7:55 p.m. and enter back into
Regular Session. Motion carried by a 7-0 roll call vote.

GUEST ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICIAL REPORTS:
MAYOR: Robert “Bo” Bemmes:
National Night Out and Police Services
The city’s police department held its seventh consecutive National Night Out at Caney Park. The event provides an
opportunity for residents to learn about public safety resources and for local law enforcement agencies to strengthen
relationships and mutual-aid partnerships.
Residents can see demonstrations and equipment from the police department and neighboring agencies, including K9 units
and drones.

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08-04-2026 Reading Council Minutes

CITY OF READING, OHIO
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – REGULAR SESSION
AUGUST 04, 2026 – 7:30 PM
Residents are also reminded not to leave valuables in their vehicles. Valuables should be taken inside, secured in the trunk,
or, at minimum, vehicles should be locked.
Reading Road Water Main Replacement
The Safety and Services Department, Public Works Department, and city engineers are continuing to discuss the replacement
of water mains along Reading Road, from the city’s northern corporation line to the southern corporation line. The need for
the project became more apparent during discussions surrounding the proposed Reading Road road diet, which will not move
forward. Preliminary estimates indicate that the project could cost more than $4 million. The city will provide additional
information once final costs are determined and will then address financing options.
Veterans Memorial Stadium
Veterans Memorial Stadium is scheduled to host 87 games or events over a 93-day period. The heavy schedule reinforces the
city’s interest in eventually installing artificial turf, which would allow the facility to be used more extensively throughout
the year. Artificial turf could potentially expand usage from roughly two months and 100 events annually to year-round use
and more than 1,000 events, providing additional opportunities for youth activities and athletics.
New Track Project
The city is accepting bids for a new track at Veterans Memorial Stadium. The project is supported by a $350,000 State of
Ohio grant that must be used within the next year. The grant is not sufficient to fund improvements such as new bleachers or
artificial turf, but it will allow the city to move forward with installation of a new track. The city will determine the project's
final scope after receiving the bids.
Crestmont and West Crest Water Main Project
A pre-construction meeting has been held for the East Crest, Crestmont, and West Crest improvements, including the portion
of West Crest from Keith Drive to Crestmont. Construction is expected to begin shortly after January 5. The city
intentionally avoided starting the project late in the fall to prevent construction from extending through the winter and
holiday season, as occurred with the Maple Drive project. The project includes significant water main improvements that
will benefit residents and the fire department. The city will provide updates as construction progresses.
Future Ronald Reagan Highway Closure
ODOT has notified the city of a major future project involving the closure of Ronald Reagan Highway from Galbraith Road
to Plainfield Road. The closure is expected to last approximately four to six months and is currently anticipated for 2030.
There will be additional review and planning before the project begins, and the city will keep residents informed. The project
is expected to create significant disruption for the community.
Waste and Recycling Contract
The city's waste and recycling contract expires at the end of the year. The city is preparing bid specifications and will work
with the appropriate committee to determine whether services should be changed, added, or eliminated in the next contract.
Lead Service Line Notifications
The city is working with the Water Department to update notification procedures required by the EPA concerning lead
service lines and lines for which the material is unknown. The new requirements create additional administrative
responsibilities for the Water Department, requiring employees to spend more time on documentation and recordkeeping.
The city is working to provide the department with the necessary assistance while continuing its regular water infrastructure
work.
Health Insurance Savings
The city will soon conduct its annual health insurance review. This marks the city's 12th year participating in a self-insured
group through the Ohio Benefits Cooperative. Over the past 12 years, the average premium renewal increase has been
approximately 4.79%, compared with increases of 15% to 20% experienced by other communities. The city estimates that
participation in the cooperative has saved more than $1 million over that period.

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08-04-2026 Reading Council Minutes

CITY OF READING, OHIO
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – REGULAR SESSION
AUGUST 04, 2026 – 7:30 PM
Mayor Bemmes credited Safety and Services Director Patrick Ross with significant work in managing the program and
controlling costs. Health insurance had previously experienced annual increases of 18% to 20%, making the cooperative a
substantial financial benefit to the city.
Traffic Safety
The city recorded 35 automobile accidents during July. Mayor Bemmes emphasized that this number is too high and that the
city must continue looking for ways to improve traffic safety and reduce crashes.
E-Bike Safety and Enforcement
The city continues to receive concerns regarding electric bicycles and the various classifications and regulations that apply to
them. Mayor Bemmes noted that many of the applicable laws have been on the books for decades. The purpose of
enforcement is not to unnecessarily restrict residents but to protect riders and others from potentially dangerous situations.
Police officers may intervene when they believe a person is in danger, and the same principle applies to young people riding
e-bikes. The goal is to ensure that everyone gets home safely. The city will continue reviewing e-bike concerns with the
appropriate committee.
Flock Camera Technology
The city addressed concerns surrounding Flock license plate recognition cameras. Reading currently has four Flock cameras.
The police department uses the technology as an investigative and public safety tool while seeking to protect individual
privacy. The system is not continuously monitored and is not intended for continuous surveillance. Information is shared only
when there is a legitimate law enforcement or public safety purpose.
Flock cameras can assist with:
• Investigating criminal activity
• Identifying vehicles associated with incidents
• Recovering stolen vehicles
• Locating wanted individuals
• Assisting in the recovery of missing or endangered children and at-risk adults
• Providing real-time alerts involving vehicles on validated hotlists
The cameras detect license plates. They do not use facial recognition or identify people based on gender or race. According
to the city's stated policies, Flock data is restricted to official law enforcement purposes. Its use for immigration
enforcement, traffic enforcement, harassment, intimidation, or targeting individuals based on race, sex, or religion is
prohibited. Mayor Bemmes stated that the technology has been helpful to the city and does not believe its use constitutes an
invasion of residents' privacy.
Property Maintenance and Code Enforcement
The city's exterior property maintenance code enforcement officer continues to play an important role in addressing propertyrelated concerns. The city has strengthened coordination among code enforcement, the Fire Department, Board of Health,
and Building Department. Residents with property maintenance concerns are encouraged to contact the Safety and Services
Director or Assistant Fire Chief. The goal is to allow the code enforcement officer to spend less time answering phones and
more time addressing problems in the community. Mayor Bemmes praised the officer's performance and the effectiveness of
the coordinated approach.

SAFETY/SERVICE DIRECTOR: Patrick Ross: (No Report, Absent)
LAW DIRECTOR: Dave Stevenson: (No Report)

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08-04-2026 Reading Council Minutes

CITY OF READING, OHIO
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – REGULAR SESSION
AUGUST 04, 2026 – 7:30 PM
TREASURER: Brenda Owens: (Absent, Report given by Finance Committee Chair, Andy Bronner)

AUDITOR: Sabrina Smith:
April-June 2026 fund reports are below. July is still being reconciled.

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08-04-2026 Reading Council Minutes

CITY OF READING, OHIO
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – REGULAR SESSION
AUGUST 04, 2026 – 7:30 PM

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08-04-2026 Reading Council Minutes

CITY OF READING, OHIO
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – REGULAR SESSION
AUGUST 04, 2026 – 7:30 PM

The Audit team from the State of Ohio is hoping to finish up later this month.
I want to thank everyone who works for the City. I get to showcase the great work they do for their departments and the City.
We have great processes and they are shining with the review of years 2024 and 2025.
During this time we got a new financial system to help us with our reporting and time management for our employees.
The State is asking for more and more and we have to stay up on all these different compliance items. Thank you again for
everyone's hard work and effort that shines not only for our City but on the State level.

COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS:

FINANCE: Andy Bronner (No Report)
UTILITIES, LANDS & BUILDINGS: Mark Bishop

Present: Mark Bishop, Chairman, Katie Eadicicco, Dave Powell, Alex Sherlock, Chris Schneider
Public attendees: 1
SUMMARY: Reconnecting Communities Plan has identified boundaries that have divided communities in Hamilton County.
These are mostly North/South dividers such as I-75, railroad tracks and the Mill Creek. The RCP has identified solutions to
reconnect these communities by either removing barriers or finding ways to improve access across those boundaries. One
study area that affects Reading is Smalley Road and a possible railroad overpass.
1.

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Introduction
1 Issue:

08-04-2026 Reading Council Minutes

CITY OF READING, OHIO
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – REGULAR SESSION
AUGUST 04, 2026 – 7:30 PM
Presentation/Discussion with Reconnecting Communities Plan
Alex Sherlock and Chris Schneider
2.
3.
4.
5.

6.

Alex will present a portion of the larger presentation from RCP on July 7th.
No financial commitment from Reading
8-year implementation schedule estimate
Priority projects outlined in plan
a. P51-I-75 Vacated property (overpass connector NB)
b. Smalley RD connector bridge concept
c. N-51
d. N53 Local connections
e. Bridges, digital signage, travel signs
f. Tri-state Trails inclusion
g. P-6 to P-8 Policy Improvements
h. All buckets of funding identified and currently available
Next steps:
a. Pass a resolution in support of RCP
b. Schedule Guest Speaker (Alex) for July 7th meeting of Council
c. SEE PRESENTATION ATTACHED TO THE JULY 7 MEETING.

ZONING, PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT: Dave Powell:
Our committee met prior to our last meeting to review the planning commission recommendations on the proposed zoning
code. We also discussed food truck regulations. I would like to schedule a committee meeting for Tuesday, August 18, 2026
at 6:30 PM in council chambers to continue our discussion on food truck regulations.

LAWS & CONTRACTS: Katie Eadicicco (No Report)
PUBLIC HEALTH & SAFETY: Shelly Kroeger:
Police Department run count for July 2026
Calls for service
1,074
Auto Accidents
35
Booking Original Charges
85
Warrants Served
67
Traffic Charges (including TSEP)
157
Traffic Safety Program Charges
46
Citations Issued
Hamilton County
Arlington Heights
Juvenile
Reading Mayor’s
Total Citations

7
22
1
119
149

Fire Departments run count for July 2026
EMS Responses
212
Fire Responses
83
Total Responses
295

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08-04-2026 Reading Council Minutes

CITY OF READING, OHIO
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – REGULAR SESSION
AUGUST 04, 2026 – 7:30 PM

Notable Operations For July 2026:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

All road patrol officers have AXON cameras in operation
Established public Records request email and link on City Website
Established FLOCK transparency portal on city website.
Patrol hiring test 9 of 18 apps. tested - 8 passed
PARR safety : Delivery 8/4 of car 1 changeover
10 persons felony drug arrests
4 domestic violence arrests

Police Runs for July 2026
- Arson. car was set fire at Midas Muffler. No suspects currently
- Circle K. Employee theft of $1000 and abandoned store
- Auto theft maple st recovered by CPD on 7-9
- Valley Tavern. Felonious assault 2 other minor injury from fighting
- Lakeshore Apt. Arrested maintenance worker for Felony theft from tenant’s apartment.
Stole +1000’s in Legos
- Orchard Knoll. Auto theft reported. Unauthorized use charged. Suspect family
- Thank you to all who attended National Night Out this evening.
Fire Department News:
- The new fire engine was received in June. Equipment mounting is nearly complete & training is forthcoming.
- Facilitated the July 4th fireworks event along with providing medical detail.
- Members met with mechanics regarding repair of the Ahrens Fox on July 11th.
- Touch-A-Truck event held on July 18th at Don’s Creamy Whip.
- Public safety presentation provided to Camp Chabad on July 22nd.
- Provided CPR/AED training for the Meals-On-Wheels drivers at the JCC.

SERVICE: Bob Boehner:

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08-04-2026 Reading Council Minutes

CITY OF READING, OHIO
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – REGULAR SESSION
AUGUST 04, 2026 – 7:30 PM

RECREATION: Scott Thamann: (No Report)
OTHER BUSINESS:
Katie Eadicicco:
Clarifying E-Bike Classifications
Discussed continued confusion surrounding e-bikes and the distinctions between e-bikes, motorbikes, mini bikes, dirt bikes,
and e-scooters. There was particular concern that residents may not understand which types of bikes are permitted on public
roads and which are subject to age, helmet, or other restrictions. It was noted that the city’s committee has already been

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08-04-2026 Reading Council Minutes

CITY OF READING, OHIO
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – REGULAR SESSION
AUGUST 04, 2026 – 7:30 PM
reviewing the issue, along with the Safety and Services Department and Police Department. Council requested that the
committee continue researching the matter and report back with additional clarification.
State Law and Local Regulations
A key concern is the potential confusion between the Ohio Revised Code and the city's existing regulations. It was
emphasized that many of the applicable requirements are established by state law and cannot simply be overridden by the
city. Council agreed that clearer information would benefit residents, particularly families purchasing e-bikes for children.
One council member noted that Class 3 e-bikes can travel up to 28 miles per hour and are subject to age and helmet
requirements. State law also requires e-bikes to display a label identifying their classification, which should make the
different classes easier to distinguish. It was also clarified that dirt bikes are generally not permitted on public roads and
must be operated on private property with permission.
Public Education and Online Resources
Council discussed creating or expanding educational materials on the city's website and social media platforms. Visual
information, including photographs showing the differences among e-bikes, dirt bikes, mini bikes, and other types of
motorized bicycles, could help residents understand the regulations. It was indicated that some information may already be
available on the city's website and agreed to review the existing materials to determine whether additional or clearer
information is needed.
Council members also referenced similar educational information recently published by police departments in neighboring
communities, including Mariemont, Blue Ash, Evendale, and Sharonville. The information from those communities generally
reflects the requirements of the Ohio Revised Code.
Youth Safety and Education
Council discussed the possibility of connecting families with organizations that offer bicycle or e-bike safety classes for
children. Because e-bikes are becoming increasingly popular, officials agreed that safety education could be beneficial.
However, it was explained that staffing limitations make it difficult for the city's police department to conduct its own classes
at this time. Outside organizations or existing community programs may provide a more practical option.
Key Takeaways
•

The city will continue reviewing e-bike classifications and applicable regulations.

•

Officials will clarify the relationship between local rules and the Ohio Revised Code.

•

Existing city website and social media information will be reviewed and expanded if necessary.

•

Educational materials with photographs and clear descriptions could help residents distinguish between different
types of bikes.

•

Parents are encouraged to understand an e-bike's classification and legal requirements before purchasing one for a
child.

•

Class 3 e-bikes can reach speeds of up to 28 mph and have specific age and helmet requirements.

•

E-bikes are required to display a classification label under state law.

•

Dirt bikes generally cannot be operated on public roads and must be used on private property with permission.

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CITY OF READING, OHIO
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – REGULAR SESSION
AUGUST 04, 2026 – 7:30 PM
•

The city will explore ways to connect families with existing youth safety education programs.

LEGISLATIVE SESSION:
READING OF RESOLUTIONS: NONE
READING OF ORDINANCES:

(1) THE FOLLOWING IS AN ORDINANCE ENACTED BY THE CITY OF READING OF HAMILTON
COUNTY, OHIO, HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AS THE LOCAL PUBLIC AGENCY (LPA).
Motion made by Mrs. Eadicicco, seconded by Mr. Bishop, to suspend the rule that requires a second & third reading.
Motion carried by a 7-0 roll call vote. Motion made by Mr. Bishop, seconded by Mr. Bronner to adopt the
resolution. Motion carried by a 7-0 roll call vote.

ORDINANCE ADOPTED

ORDINANCE NUMBER 2026-23

(2) AN ORDINANCE DIRECTING THE TRANSFER OF REAL PROPERTY KNOWN AS
13 EAST BENSON STREET, OWNED BY THE CITY OF READING, TO THE COMMUNITY
IMPROVEMENT CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF READING, FOR THE PURPOSE OF
FACILITATING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE READING ROAD CORRIDOR AND
PROMOTE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES, AND AUTHORIZING THE SAFETY-SERVICE
DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE DOCUMENTS NECESSARY TO EFFECT THE TRANSFER.
Motion made by Mrs. Eadicicco, seconded by Mrs. Kroeger, to suspend the rule that requires a second & third reading.
Motion carried by a 7-0 roll call vote. Motion made by Mrs. Eadicicco, seconded by Mrs. Kroeger to adopt the
resolution. Motion carried by a 7-0 roll call vote.

ORDINANCE ADOPTED

ORDINANCE NUMBER 2026-24

(3) AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING CHANGES TO THE ZONING CODE.
Ordinance was declared a first reading only.

MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS:
MARK BISHOP:

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CITY OF READING, OHIO
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – REGULAR SESSION
AUGUST 04, 2026 – 7:30 PM

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CITY OF READING, OHIO
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – REGULAR SESSION
AUGUST 04, 2026 – 7:30 PM

ADJOURNMENT:
Mr. Boehner moved to adjourn. Mrs. Kroeger seconded. Motion carried by voice vote.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:48 pm.

X______________________________________
Carla Bronner
Clerk of Council

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X______________________________________
Kevin Mattscheck
President of Council

08-04-2026 Reading Council Minutes