By Pat Lafleur, Fort Thomas Matters City Beat Writer
The theme to tonight’s Ft. Thomas City Council meeting was recap.
– The meeting opened and closed with informational summaries
of the Clover Ridge/Rossford street repair project. Councilman Eric Haas
reported that last week’s public hearing (3-26) measured generally favorable
public opinion for the project. The meeting adjourned with the first reading of
the city ordinance calling for the project to begin.
– Fire Chief Mark Bailey submitted the FTFD 2012 Annual Report for
council’s approval. Chief Bailey summarized the department’s general success
raising funds and grant moneys, continuing community fire safety education
programs, and fire run statistics staying consistent. The only thing the FTFD
wasn’t ready for in 2012 was the passing of one of its forefathers, Former
Chief William Dieckman (Chief 1983-1998), on December 20. Chief Bailey’s report
recognized the late Chief Dieckman’s service.
– Debbie Buckley, Fort Thomas Renaissance Manager and Economic
Development Director also submitted her 2012 Annual Report to council. Ms.
Buckley praised the city’s community-building initiatives in 2012, like the
Holiday Hop and numerous fundraisers for the Tower Park Museum.
She also recalled the Salute to Veterans evening as a
success, being the first in her memory to show an equal representation between
men and women veterans. “I want people to remember why this city on the
Highlands became Fort Thomas,” Buckley explained, “That is the highlight of my
year.”
Ms. Buckley also looked ahead to the summer months, hinting
at a July 4th event that should be “bigger and better.” The
Merchants and Music Festival announced John Michael Montgomery as its
headliner. The Fort Thomas Farmers’ Market will resume on May 1, every
Wednesday afternoon in the Historic district. The Ft. Thomas Plaza Market will
resume its Friday schedule.
Once Ms. Buckley had finished her presentation, Mayor Mary
Brown commended her, “I can’t imagine getting all that done in a year.”
– Assistant City Administrator Ronald Dill, sitting in for
City Administrator Martin, reported to council that the agreements for the VA
homes project (see: CityCouncil Notes 3-17) have been signed by the city and returned to the DVA
for signatures.
Mr. Dill also addressed questions he’d received throughout
the week regarding the construction equipment at the top of Tower Park’s
amphitheater. The Water & Sanitation District is repairing a failed water
main on the hillside, but Mr. Dill assured council – and Ms. Buckley – that the
issue would be resolved by early summer.
– Before adjourning, Mayor Brown applauded the Recreation
Department’s Easter Egg Hunt this weekend for filling and hiding some 85,000
eggs to be hunted on Saturday morning.
