On the agenda: Reading 09-01-26 Council Minutes (Regular) — automated license plate (Sep 1)

CITY OF READING, OHIO
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – REGULAR SESSION
SEPTEMBER 01, 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, Auditor Sabrina Smith
& Clerk of Council Carla Bronner.
President of Council, Kevin Mattscheck announced that the previously scheduled Public Hearing regarding the
Zoning Code Ordinance, had been cancelled for the evening. It was announced the ordinance will be reviewed
again, and that potential additional items will be added. A revised ordinance will be forthcoming, as will the
announcement of a scheduled Public Hearing.
Motion made by Dave Powell, seconded by Mr. Bronner, to “table” the scheduled third reading of the Zoning
Code Ordinance. Motion carried by a 7-0 roll call vote.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Motion to approve the August 18, 2026, Council Meeting Minutes made by Mrs.
Eadicicco, seconded by Mr. Boehner. Motion carried by voice vote.
AUDIENCE ASKING PARTICIPATION:
(1) Bob Ashbrock - stated that although the public hearing had been canceled, he had prepared written remarks
that he believes are important for Council to consider. He planned to submit the comments to the clerk and
requested that they be distributed to Council members and included in the meeting minutes.
(2) Reece Halden - raised concerns about Reading’s use of Flock automated license plate readers, particularly
regarding third-party access to and sharing of data. He cited concerns in other Ohio communities, including
Dayton, where police officials reportedly discovered inadequate oversight of third-party access and subsequently
canceled their Flock contract and removed the cameras.
Halden urged Reading City Council to establish greater oversight and transparency regarding the cameras,
including determining who has access to the data, how widely information is shared, and what safeguards are in
place to prevent misuse. He emphasized that residents should have access to this information and assurance that
the technology is being properly monitored.
(3) Maggie: Strongly opposes Reading’s use of Flock automated license plate reader cameras, citing concerns
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09-01-2026 Reading Council Minutes

CITY OF READING, OHIO
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – REGULAR SESSION
SEPTEMBER 01, 2026 – 7:30 PM
about privacy, surveillance, potential misuse, inaccurate AI systems, and constitutional rights. She brought up
that other communities have begun canceling Flock contracts because of similar concerns and she also expressed
broader concerns about mass surveillance and the potential for government or private entities to monitor
individuals’ behavior and political or personal beliefs. She referenced Ohio House Bill 249 and federal policies
concerning domestic terrorism as examples of changing definitions of acceptable conduct and expression, arguing
that surveillance technology could become more concerning if laws change.
Maggie questioned whether City Council adequately considered the consequences of purchasing Flock cameras in
2024. She noted that Council members had previously requested measurable results to justify the approximately
$15,000 annual cost and information showing how frequently Flock data was used in investigations.
According to her, this information has not been adequately provided through the city’s transparency portal, and
many camera records do not include case numbers. She also questioned whether the cameras have produced any
measurable reduction in crime since their installation.
Maggie criticized the process by which Council approved the Flock cameras, noting that all seven Council
members voted in favor of the purchase on March 19, 2024, after a third reading was bypassed and an emergency
was declared. They argued that this provided limited opportunity for public input before the cameras were
approved. She also contended that concerns raised by Council members and residents were not adequately
addressed before the vote and called for greater transparency regarding how the technology is being used.
Maggie concluded by arguing that private surveillance contracts should not replace constitutional protections or
warrants. She urged Council to prioritize residents’ privacy and civil liberties, reconsider the use of Flock
technology in light of what has been learned since 2024, terminate the Flock contract, and remove the cameras.
Mark Bishop Response: The discussion surrounding Flock cameras is becoming unavoidable nationwide, and
there is a need to determine where appropriate limits should be established. As larger cities, the federal
government, courts, and state governments continue addressing the issue, there should be greater clarity regarding
how the law will be interpreted in relation to these types of cameras. This information will help the Council make
responsible decisions that allow citizens of Reading to feel safe while also protecting the liberty and privacy they
deserve.
Katie Eadicicco Response: Made a motion to refer the issue of Flock cameras to her committee for review. Mr.
Bishop seconded the motion. Mr. Boehner brought up the position that he believes this topic belongs in the
Public Health & Safety committee for review. Motion carried by a 6-1 voice vote (Mr. Boehner voting “no”).
Motion made by Mr. Powell, seconded by Mrs. Kroeger, to ALSO put the topic and review of FLOCK Cameras
into the Public Health & Safety committee. Motion carried by 7-0 voice vote.
(4) Sue Renderly - expressed concerns about privacy and potential misuse of Flock cameras, citing recent reports
of excessive license-plate searches and calls by some officials to remove the technology.
(5) Mary – questioned whether Flock cameras are appropriate or necessary for a smaller community like
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09-01-2026 Reading Council Minutes

CITY OF READING, OHIO
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – REGULAR SESSION
SEPTEMBER 01, 2026 – 7:30 PM
Reading, noting that they are more commonly associated with larger cities. They requested that City Council
review 20 years of local crime statistics, specifically for murder, rape, kidnapping, and physical assault, and use
that information to help evaluate whether Flock cameras are justified in Reading.

COMMUNICATIONS:

(1) August 2026 Mayor’s Court Monthly Disbursement Report
62 Bench warrants Issued, 153 Cases Heard & $12,650.50 Collected

GUEST SPEAKERS: NONE

GUEST ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICIAL REPORTS:
MAYOR: Robert “Bo” Bemmes:
Schools in our City are open so PLEASE SLOW DOWN AS YOU DRIVE AND KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR
OUR YOUNG STUDENTS AS THEY MAKE THEIR WAY TO AND FROM SCHOOL
Our American Legion hosted a feed the community event in their parking lot on Saturday August 22 serving over
100 people. Eight members of Boy Scout Troop 633 volunteered to help with the event, giving over five hours of
their time on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. Scout Master Dave Johnson with along with Scouts Kevin
Davis, Matthew Johnson, Corbin Spangler, Colton Ramsey, Joey Carpenter, Dylan Theis and
Ezra Marshal all helped make this a very special event.
The Taste of Reading was again a very successful event. I want to thank to our American Legion Ladies
Auxiliary for all of the amazing work that they do year in and year out to make our City a better place.
Our Reading Bridal Association will hold their annual Fall in Love event on Benson Street on Thursday
September 17. Benson Street will be closed from 5pm till 10pm from Reading Road to Wachendorf
Our Lady of the Valley’s festival will be held on September 18, 19 and 20
87 events in 93 days are scheduled on Veterans Memorial Field
Reading Youth Football and Cheer, that keeps over 200 boys and girls busy doing healthy character
building activities, had their first home games that bring a multitude of people to our City and Veterans Memorial
Stadium.
We are accepting bids for the new track and fencing around the track and around Veterans Memorial Complex
During my years as our Mayor multiple stormwater projects have been completed to help reduce
flooding, reduce sewer backups into basements and reduce raw sewerage from entering Mill Creek. SSO
700 where approximately 52 million gallons of raw sewerage entered Mill Creek every year was addressed, we
completed a sewer pipe replacement on Ohio Avenue, we completed a Benson Street sewer replacement from Hill
Street to Reading Road to Maple Street to Jefferson Avenue to Bradley Avenue to Mill Creek, CSO 513
stormwater separation project was completed including 9,000 feet of new storm sewer infrastructure. The Market
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09-01-2026 Reading Council Minutes

CITY OF READING, OHIO
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – REGULAR SESSION
SEPTEMBER 01, 2026 – 7:30 PM
Street box culvert at Mechanic was rebuilt and the Hunt Road 6’ in diameter Storm sewer was rebuilt near Heile
Drive.
Reading Schools homecoming parade will be on Thursday September 24th
Saints Peter and Paul Academy has begun their 20th year as an excellent school in our City that provides
a wonderful quality elementary Christian based education for those who want to attend. SPPA’s annual Amazing
Grace 5k run will be held on October 17th at 6pm starting and finishing at a Veterans Memorial Stadium with a
celebration party at the VYO Haffey fieldhouse from 6;30pm till 10pm. For more information call 513-3741755.
There will be a public hearing during our City Council meeting on Tuesday October 20th at 7:30pm to review a
Joint Economic Development District (JEDD) with Sycamore Township on property both in and currently owned
by Sycamore Township south of Galbraith Road. We will place an advertisement in the paper as required.
The contract agreement between Reading and Sycamore Township will be available by the end of this week for
public review. This will be emailed to all Council members as well. Our attorney Brenda Wehmer and our Law
Director Dave Stevenson have been working on this with Sycamore Township representatives.
Mark Bishop and I attended a Hamilton County Municipal League meeting on August 22 to listen to our Ohio
Municipal League president Kent Scarrett speak about the incredible importance of protecting our Home
Rule authority that allows local governments to make our own decisions in the best interest of our residents. Kent
mentioned the future of property taxes, data centers, shared services, State Governments idea of
having fewer local governments and schools, school funding and unfunded State mandates. The Ohio Municipal
League is a very valuable asset for us as they monitor all the issues being considered at the State
level and analyze them for us.
Please call me anytime with any City related questions, comments or concerns at 513-509-8619.
SAFETY/SERVICE DIRECTOR: Patrick Ross: (No Report, Absent)
LAW DIRECTOR: Dave Stevenson: (No Report)

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09-01-2026 Reading Council Minutes

CITY OF READING, OHIO
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – REGULAR SESSION
SEPTEMBER 01, 2026 – 7:30 PM
TREASURER: Brenda Owens: (Absent, Report given by Finance Committee Chair, Andy Bronner)

AUDITOR: Sabrina Smith: (No Report)

COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS:
FINANCE: Andy Bronner (No Report)
UTILITIES, LANDS & BUILDINGS: Mark Bishop
- Next committee meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 8, at 6:30 pm in the Caucus Room.

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09-01-2026 Reading Council Minutes

CITY OF READING, OHIO
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – REGULAR SESSION
SEPTEMBER 01, 2026 – 7:30 PM
ZONING, PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT: Dave Powell:
- My committee met prior to the previous Council meeting. The primary discussion involved the possibility of
establishing regulations for food trucks. Assistant Fire Chief O’Connor developed an initial outline, and the
committee is reviewing the proposed regulations and determining how to proceed.
The committee also discussed the zoning ordinance that was tabled this evening due to procedural issues related
to its approval. The ordinance will return to the Planning Commission for revisions and further consideration.
As part of that review, the committee is considering incorporating food truck regulations into the zoning
ordinance. An additional issue raised by Randy Cook will also be addressed during the revision process.
Once the Planning Commission holds its public hearing, the matter will return to Council for review. The
committee anticipates that the revised ordinance and related issues will come back before Council later this fall.
LAWS & CONTRACTS: Katie Eadicicco: (No Report)
PUBLIC HEALTH & SAFETY: Shelly Kroeger:
Police Department run count for August 2026
Calls for service
1,008
Auto Accidents
24
Booking Original Charges
49
Warrants Served
39
Citations Issued
Hamilton County
Arlington Heights
Juvenile
Reading Mayor’s
Total Citations

5
15
0
50
70

Fire Departments run count for August 2026
EMS Responses
206
Fire Responses
54
Total Responses
260
Notable Operations and Police Runs For August 2026:
- OVI checkpoint 8100 block of Reading Rd.; 0 OVIs 427 contacts.
This was the first OVI checkpoint in Reading in 17 plus years
- Hilltop park; subject nude in vehicle; wanted for fleeing in vehicle from police
- W. Vine – intoxicated subject threatened another with firearm arrested on weapons under disability
- Theft of firearm from unlocked vehicle
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09-01-2026 Reading Council Minutes

CITY OF READING, OHIO
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – REGULAR SESSION
SEPTEMBER 01, 2026 – 7:30 PM
- Fenton – called for shots fired; casings found but unable to locate suspect
- Maple Dr – several cars forced entry attempt auto theft
Fire :
• Members provided presentations/equipment demos for the National Night Out on August 4th
• Participated in the Reading Schools Amazing Race scavenger hunt on August 17th
• Members attended the Feed the Community Event hosted by the American Legion on August 22nd
• Members provided Stop-the-Bleed and CPR demos at the Amberly Village Ice Cream Social on August 23rd
• CPR/AED training provided to Serendipity, Classical Academy, and Reading Pre-School staff
SERVICE: Bob Boehner:

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09-01-2026 Reading Council Minutes

CITY OF READING, OHIO
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – REGULAR SESSION
SEPTEMBER 01, 2026 – 7:30 PM
RECREATION: Scott Thamann:
We have concluded our community pool season. For our income: memberships, concessions, guest fees and swim
lessons brought in roughly $53,334. Our expenses for concessions and cleaning supplies, pool chemicals, and
salaries cost us roughly $102,700, which results in a deficit of $48,300. This deficit is normal, and it shows the
city’s commitment to providing affordable recreation opportunities in our community.
We have received several bids for a new track, and a decision should be coming soon.
OTHER BUSINESS: NONE
LEGISLATIVE SESSION:
READING OF RESOLUTIONS: NONE
READING OF ORDINANCES:

(1) AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING CHANGES TO THE ZONING CODE. (Third Reading)
Ordinance was tabled earlier in the evening. Ordinance was not read.

MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS:
(1) Bo Bemmes welcomed State Representative Rachel Baker who was in the audience
(2) Mark Bishop announced that the “Pocket Park” is still in the plans but on the back burner until more money
can be found.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mr. Boehner moved to adjourn. Mrs. Kroeger seconded. Motion carried by voice vote.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 pm.

X______________________________________
Carla Bronner
Clerk of Council

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X______________________________________
Kevin Mattscheck
President of Council

09-01-2026 Reading Council Minutes