In the minutes: Riverside August 17, 2026 Council Meeting, flock camera (Aug 17)

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Minutes of the Riverside City Council Meeting Held on: August 17, 2026

CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Williams called the Riverside, Ohio, City Council Meeting to order
at 6:00 p.m. at the Riverside Administrative Offices, 5200 Springfield Street, Suite 100,
Riverside, Ohio, 45431.

ROLL CALL: Council members present: Deputy Mayor Brown, Ms. Fry, Mr. Gaby, Mr.
Maxfield, Ms. Freda Patterson, and Mayor Williams. Absent: Ms. Angel Patterson.

Staff present: Jesse Lightle, Interim City Manager; Angela Jacskson, Police Chief; Beth
Moore, Public Services Director, Cody Smith, Community Development Director; Jim Miller,
Law Director; and Katie Lewallen, Communications Manager/Clerk of Council.

EXCUSE ABSENT MEMBERS: No members were absent.
ADDITIONS OR CORRECTIONS TO AGENDA: There were no additions or corrections.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Mr. Maxfield moved, seconded by Deputy Mayor Brown, to
approve the agenda. All were in favor. Mation carried.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Williams led the pledge of allegiance.

SWEARING IN: Chief Jackson introduced Kami Lawson and Lincoln Wolf. Mayor Williams
gave the oath of office to Riverside’s newest police officers.

ACCEPTANCE OF WRITTEN CITIZEN PETITIONS: Mayor Williams stated anyone wishing to
speak can fill out a form and submit it to the clerk.

MINUTES: Ms. Freda Patterson moved, seconded by Ms. Fry, to approve the August 3,
2026, council meeting minutes. Six were in favor, Ms. Angel Patterson abstained. Motion
carried.

LIQUOR CONTROL: Ms. Lightle stated that staff had no objections to the two liquor license
transfer requests: from Taco Veloz Dayton LLC to Las Catrinas Dayton LLC, 4904 Airway
Road, and from Gregory L. Shultz DBA Manor Wine Cellar LLC to Booze 552 LLC, 5544
Airway Road. Council did not request a hearing for either of the transfers.

PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS: One form was turned in to speak on an agenda
item.

Mr. Joe Lemke, Riverside, Ohio, stated his concerns about the storm water issue,
acknowledging past efforts but leaning towards a negative stance now. He noted that
reducing fees significantly extends project timelines, possibly for many years, which could
mean some won't be around to see the outcome. He stated that he understands that the
homestead exemption is a one-time benefit from the county, and further reductions would
lead to loss of revenue needed by the city. He added that managing the exemptions
requires high administrative overhead, increasing costs beyond just the fee reductions.
Lemke argued that while some individuals may benefit, applying a blanket exemption for

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such a substantial amount is not justified. He suggested handling support on a case-by-case
basis instead.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. ORDINANCES

1) Ordinance No. 26-0-884 — An ordinance determining to proceed with the
improvement of certain streets between certain termini in the City of Riverside,
Ohio, by lighting the same with electricity. (24 reading, public hearing, adoption)

Mayor Williams stated this is the annual housekeeping legislation for street lighting.

Mr. Maxfield moved, seconded by Ms. Angel Patterson, to approve the second reading of
Ordinance No. 26-0-884, The clerk read the ordinance by title only.

Mayor Williams opened the public hearing at 6:17 p.m. for anyone wishing to speak on the
ordinance. Seeing no one come forward, Mayor Williams closed the public hearing at 6:17
p.m.

Roll call went as follows: Mr. Maxfield, yes; Ms. Angel Patterson, yes; Mr. Brown, yes; Ms.
Fry, yes; Mr. Gaby, yes; Ms. Freda Patterson, yes; and Mayor Williams, yes. Motion carried.

Il) Ordinance No. 26-0-885 - An ordinance to repeal and replace Chapter 935 of the
Codified Ordinances of the City of Riverside, Ohio. (2™ reading, public hearing,
adoption)

Ms. Angel Patterson moved, seconded by Ms. Freda Patterson, to approve the second
reading of Ordinance No. 26-0-885, The clerk read the ordinance by title only.

Mayor Williams opened the public hearing at 6:18 p.m. for anyone wishing to speak on the
ordinance. Seeing no one come forward, Mayor Williams closed the public hearing at 6:18
pm.

Ms. Freda Patterson asked about the process for residents to obtain the stormwater
service charge adjustment. Mr. Miller stated that a resident seeking the adjustment would
submit an application using the City’s existing adjustment form, which would be revised to
include a homestead exemption charge-adjustment checkbox. The City would compare the
application to county records to determine whether the homeowner received a
homestead exemption for that calendar year of collection. He added that eligible
homeowners would receive a 25 percent reduction and could not receive another type of
adjustment.

Mr. Miller stated that the optimal time for submitting an application would be in January
as the application must be compared with country records for that collection year. Ms.
Lightle added that the adjustment would appear on the April bill and that the City would
establish a deadline for applications applicable to that billing quarter, Mr, Miller stated that
an earlier application period, such as December 1 for the following calendar year, could be
addressed through City policy and practice but was not addressed in the ordinance.

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Mr. Gaby stated that the homestead adjustment would provide no greater discount or
administrative burden than a rain-barre! adjustment.

Roll call went as follows: Ms. Ange] Patterson, yes; Ms. Freda Patterson, yes; Mr. Brown,
yes; Ms. Fry, yes; Mr. Gaby, yes; Mr. Maxfield, yes; and Mayor Williams, yes. Motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS
A. RESOLUTIONS

1) Resolution No. 26-R-3109 - A resolution by the Riverside City Council authorizing
the assessment of delinquent charges for the cutting and removal of weeds,
vegetation, grass and/or debris to be placed on the Montgomery County Property
Tax Duplicate.

Ms, Lightle stated that this housekeeping resolution assesses charges previously paid by
the City for grass, weeds, and related work on properties identified in the exhibit.

Ms. Freda Patterson moved, seconded by Ms. Angel Patterson, to approve Resolution No.
26-R-3109. Voice vote. All were in favor. Motion carried.

II) Resolution No. 26-R-3110 — A resolution by the Riverside City Council authorizing
the assessment of delinquent charges for the future construction of sidewalk and
curb improvements to be placed on the Montgomery County Property Tax
Duplicate.

Ms, Lightle stated that this resolution concerned assessment of delinquent charges for
construction of a sidewalk at the Shell gas station at 4700 Linden Avenue.

Deputy Mayor Brown moved, seconded by Ms. Fry, to approve Resolution No. 26-R-3110.
Voice vote. All were in favor. Motion carried.

Ill) Resolution No. 26-R-3111 - A resolution by the Riverside City Council declaring the
necessity of authorizing the assessment of delinquent charges for the abatement
of public nuisance conditions to be placed on the Montgomery County Property
Tax Duplicate,

Ms. Lightle stated the assessment concerned delinquent charges for abatement of public
nuisances.

Ms. Fry moved, seconded by Ms. Freda Patterson, to approve Resolution No. 26-R-3111.
Voice vote. All were in favor. Motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS:

Ms. Tammy Murphy stated that she is a candidate for Montgomery County Auditor. She
stated that she attends city council meetings to learn about community needs before :
speaking. In her last meeting attendance, she noted how well the council presented |
information and the issues found on the current auditor's website, which led to the need
for correct billing for residents. She believes there is an opportunity to improve services at
the county level for both residents and municipalities, which have different needs. Ms.

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Murphy expressed her desire to collaborate with the council on these issues and to engage
with residents to encourage voting, highlighting that participation can make a difference.
She is willing to help the council in any way possible and thanked them for the time given
to her to speak. . !

Ms, Emily Nelson, Riverside, Ohio, stated that the entrance gate at the dog park was
uneven and not sufficiently secure for small dogs. She stated the conditions of Overlook
Homes, including deteriorating roads and homes, and asked if there was something the
city could go whether it be grants or other resources that could be pursued to help
Overlook., adding that she is willing to volunteer.

Council discussed that Overlook is a cooperative housing community and a separate entity
from the City. Mr. Miller stated that direct City funding or benefits for a separate entity
could raise equal-protection, due-process, and legal-liability considerations if similarly
situated organizations were not treated equally. Mayor Williams stated that the City had !
offered assistance to Overlook, including extensive assistance in 2025, and that they were i
not receptive to it. He added that they would like to figure out ways to bring resources to

them as no one wants to see Overlook fail, and they want Riverside to be a vibrant

community. He also noted that roads within Overlook are private property owned by the

cooperative and are not maintained by the City.

Mr. Frank Smith, Riverside, Ohio, stated the conditions on a property near the end of
Byesville Boulevard towards Smithville were similar to a dump. He described campers and
trash at the property and reported that a resident of the property had been harassing
neighbors. Mayor Williams stated that with the property being in Riverside it will be looked
at. Mr. Maxfield advised that persons who feel threatened or are being harassed should
contact the police immediately. Mr. Smith also commented on conditions at Jerry’s looking
worse and worse.

Mr. Joe Lemke, Riverside, Ohio, stated his concerns about the flock camera system, which
has received considerable attention in the news. He believes these cameras are
problematic because they collect extensive data on individuals and share it with third
parties that do not answer to citizens, While he acknowledges that speed cameras and
license plate readers can be useful, he considers flock cameras to be dangerous. He
highlighted that companies like Google listen to users, turning personal conversations into
targeted ads, and mentioned that Verizon shared user data with the government without :
public knowledge. He stated that flock cameras are dangerous and should never be used. i

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

Vac Jet — Ms. Moore presented the process used to develop a recommendation for
replacement of the City’s vac jet. The previous vac jet was 23 years old and failed in fall 2025
after rusting from the inside out and no longer holding a vacuum. She stated that the
replacement was authorized in the current-year budget.

Ms. Moore described vac jet functions, including catch basin and inlet cleaning, culvert pipe i
maintenance, hydro-vacuum excavation around buried infrastructure, debris removal
during flooding, and bypass pumping. The proposed unit would include a debris tank, i

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water tank, high-pressure water pumps, vacuum blower, hose reels, and related
equipment. The representative noted that regular stormwater maintenance supports flow
capacity through the City’s storm sewer system.

Ms. Moore stated that staff visited Montgomery County Environmental Services to review
vac jet equipment and operations, established specifications, arranged vendor
demonstrations on the City’s stormwater system, evaluated demonstration units, and
obtained vendor quotes. Staff reviewed units from Camel, Vactor, and Sewer Equipment
Company of America. Staff recommended a Sewer Equipment Company of America unit
supplied by Brown Equipment Company on a Freightliner cab and chassis.

Ms. Moore stated that the recommended unit includes a Hydro-Drive powertrain system,
neutral safety operation, and a 12-volt control architecture intended to allow standard
mechanics to troubleshoot and repair the unit without proprietary diagnostic software.
The representative reported that the unit includes free online and in-person training and
annual refresher training. The authorized budget amount is $635,000; the Sourcewell
competitive-bid list price is $627,000; and Brown Equipment Company offered a partner
discount price of §599,000.

Ms. Angel Patterson asked if council will have a breakdown of the different price options
and the different things they were looking at from the three companies or manufacturers
prior to them voting on it at the next meeting. Ms. Moore stated the documentation
includes hundreds of lines of specifications per unit. They did the best they could at
comparing apples to apples but overall, the selection was based on that the Sewer
Equipment Company of America unit is fundamentally different as it does not require a
computer and a laptop. Ms. Angel Patterson stated she is looking at how to compare the
cost of maintenance that would be required with the other trucks that were considered
and their costs for maintenance. She would like to compare the costs they are saving on
the simplified truck with the in-house maintenance being an option versus what typical
maintenance costs would be for one of the other trucks, Ms. Moore stated she does not
have any maintenance bills for any breakdowns. She has the Sourcewell quote for that
specified unit. She indicated that the Sewer Equipment Company truck does not have
computers as they have put money into the wiring, hoses, hydraulics and such. The tradeoff
is between computers talking to each other versus physical components.

Mayor Williams asked when catch basins are cleared where the debris goes. Ms. Moore
explained that.it is sucked into a 12-cubic yard hopper and is considered non-hazardous
solid waste. This truck has the ability to dewater the debris making it weigh less as there is
a cost by ton to dispose of solid waste. She explained the process on the 23-year old truck
and extra steps that were taken after unloaded it to hopefully dewater and not get rained
on only to load it again before taking it to the solid waste dump. This newer truck will allow
them to take it directly to the solid waste dump.

Ms. Freda Patterson asked where the funds for this purchase will come from. Ms. Moore
stated it isa budgeted item for 2026, but she is unsure of the line item. She stated she will
check with finance and that the information will be a part of the resolution. Ms. Freda
Patterson asked if the fund that needed to be spent down according to the auditor’s would

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be used, so they can get rid of those funds and save funding from someplace else. Ms. i
Moore stated she would have to check with finance, but that this has been budgeted for '
this year; they have just been waiting to go through the selection process.

Discussion was held on the age of the current truck and the repairs they tried to make to :
keep it operational. Ms. Moore added that most vac jet trucks are kept for about 12 years, i
and they got around 20+ years out of it. She expects this new truck to be used for 20 years. i

E-bikes — Chief Jackson presented information requested by Mr. Brown regarding e-bikes.
She described Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 e-bikes. Class 1 provides pedal assistance up to 20 :
miles per hour. Class 2 may provide power while pedaling or without pedaling, up to 20

miles per hour. Class 3 provides pedal assistance up to 28 miles per hour. She stated that

qualifying e-bikes must have pedals, be labeled with their classification, and be limited to

750 watts; Class 3 e-bikes are not permitted on bike paths or sidewalks.

Chief Jackson also discussed vehicles marketed as e-bikes or e-dirt bikes that exceed 750
watts or lack required classifications and pedals. She stated that those vehicles currently
have no applicable classification for operation in public rights-of-way and should be
operated only on private property. She also stated that the Miami Valley Regional Planning
Commission held a meeting in June concerning classifications and that additional regional
work was anticipated, but no timeline was available.

Discussion was held on safety, age and helmet requirements, stand-on electric scooters,
roadway, sidewalk, and bike-path use, speed concerns, enforcement, and the value of
consistent countywide or statewide standards. Ms. Angel Patterson stated that, under the
ORG, Class 3 e-bikes may be operated by persons age 16 and older and are the only class
currently requiring a helmet. Chief Jackson stated that the City has no e-bike policy or code i
and has not ticketed anyone for operating an e-bike. :

Chief Jackson stated that focusing attention on education concerning existing
classifications, state requirements, safety, and the distinction between legal e-bikes and
other electric vehicles would be the best course of action. Council requested that staff
explore ways to communicate e-bike information through City charinels and potentially i
through schools. Council also discussed revisiting and reevaluating the matter as county i
and/or state standards develop. i

COUNCILMEMBER DISCUSSION: Ms. Freda Patterson recognized the schools’ Day of
Giving Back book bag initiative and noted additional book bag giveaways by local schools,
937 Barbershop, and Blue Collar Drywall and Painting joining in on that. She stated that ft
makes her proud to see that happening and really shows a sense of community.

Ms. Angel Patterson stated that Blue Collar Painting and Drywall’s book bag and school-
supply giveaway would occur during the upcoming weekend and that school supplies,
rather than monetary donations, were being accepted. Updates can be found on their
Facebook page.

Mayor Williams thanked staff who helped out with the recent National Night Out. He
commented that the owner of 937 Barbershop, Dylan, was a former student of Mr.

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Maxfield. He stated that Mr. Maxfield takes a lot of pride in Dylan, and Dylan is a community
treasure by giving back to the community as he benefited so much growing up in Riverside.

Mr. Maxfield stated that the Mayor failed to mention the Stebbins versus Carroll
community tailgate at Stebbins High School on August 21, beginning at 5:30 p.m. He added
that the Day of Giving Back at Spinning Hills is on August 24 and thanked the many
partnerships that bring the Riverside community together.

Mr. Gaby stated it was nice attending National Night Out and seeing all the kids with smiles
on their faces. He recognized those involved in organizing the event.

Deputy Mayor Brown stated that with schools starting back motorists should watch out
for school buses and to be aware of the buses and the students.

EXECUTIVE SESSION: Mr. Gaby moved, seconded by Mr. Maxfield, to enter into Executive
Session for the reasons listed on the agenda: 103.01 (1), regarding appointment,
employment, dismissal, discipline, promotion, demotion, compensation, or investigation
of charges or complaints against a City employee or official; and 103.01 (3), conferences
with any attorney representing the City as counsel, concerning disputes involving the City,
its council, boards, commissions, officials and employees that are the subject of pending
or imminent court action or discussions of any matters which are properly covered under
the attorney-client privilege as recognized by the law of Ohio.

Roll call went as follows: Mr. Gaby, yes; Mr. Maxfield, yes; Mr. Brown, yes; Ms. Fry, yes; Ms.
Angel Patterson, yes; Ms. Freda Patterson, yes; and Mayor Williams, yes. Motion carried.

Council entered Executive Session at 7:22 p.m.
RECONVENE: Council reconvened at 7:35 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT: Being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m.

Td LM KO, ~W,

Pete Williams, Mayor Katie Lewallen, Clerk of Council

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