Council convened in Council Chamber at 2:00 p.m., Mayor Mallory Presiding. Present were Councilmembers Berding, Bortz, Cole, Cranley, Crowley, Ghiz, Monzel, Tarbell and Thomas (9)

Also in attendance were City Manager Milton Dohoney, Jr. Solicitor J. Rita McNeil and Clerk of Council Melissa Autry

Council observed a moment of silent prayer and recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

There being no objection, Minutes of the previous session Council were ordered Filed.

Items on the Council Calendar and items presented by-leave were disposed of as follows:

APPOINTMENT, dated 3/27/2007, submitted by Mayor Mallory, subject to the consent of Council and pursuant to the Charter of Cincinnati, I hereby appoint Chris Bortz as a member of the Hamilton County Regional Storm Water Oversight Board, with said term to expire on March 31, 2010.

REAPPOINTMENT, 03/19/2007, submitted by Mayor Mark Mallory, recommending the re-appointment of Mark Vander Laan to the Southern Railway Board of Trustees, said term to expire March 30, 2012.

REAPPOINTMENT, dated 3/19/2007 submitted by Mayor Mallory, pursuant to the authority granted by Article 13, Section 4 of the Charter of the City of Cincinnati. I hereby re-appoint Jill Meyer the Cincinnati Elections Commission with said term to expire on March 30, 2010. Ms. Meyer will serve as the designated representative for the Republican Party.

REAPPOINTMENT, dated 3/19/2007 submitted by Mayor Mallory, pursuant to the authority granted by Article 13, Section 4 of the Charter of the City of Cincinnati, I hereby re-appoint Jon Allison to the Cincinnati Elections Commission with said term to expire on March 30, 2010. Mr. Allison will serve as a non-affiliated member of the Commission.

MOTION, dated 3/28/2007 submitted by Mayor Mallory, Vice Mayor Tarbell, Councilmembers Berding, Cranley, Crowley, Thomas, Monzel and Ghiz that the Cincinnati City Council meeting scheduled for Thursday, July 5, 2007 be cancelled and that the last meeting before the Summer Session be held on Wednesday, June 27, 2007.

ORDINANCE, (EMERGENCY) dated 3/26/2007, submitted by Vice Mayor Tarbell, DIRECTING the City Manager to enter into a funding agreement with Otis Taylor, for the purpose of providing a forgivable loan in the amount of $450,000.00 to finance the stabilization of the Kaufman Building, located at 1721-27 Vine Street in the Over-The-Rhine neighborhood, by installing new sub-flooring and stairs throughout the structure and restoring the cosmetics and cornices to the building's original design at a cost not to exceed $450,000.00; and REPEALING Ordinance No. 306-2006, passed by City Council on October 25, 2006.

RESOLUTION,dated 3/19/2007 submitted by Councilmember Monzel, EXPRESSING City Council's support for the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund (COCF) grant program to benefit environmental improvements to Caldwell Recreation Park.

ORDINANCE submitted by Milton Dohoney, Jr., City Manager, on 3/28/2007, modifying the provisions of Chapter 321, Procurement and Disposal of Supplies, Services and Construction, of the Cincinnati Municipal Code by amending Section 321-47.

ORDINANCE submitted by Milton Dohoney, Jr., City Manager, on 3/28/2007, authorizing the City Manager to apply for and accept a grant in the amount of $50,000.00 from the State of Ohio Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Medical Services ("EMS"), for the purpose of providing funding to the Cincinnati Fire Department in order to improve and enhance EMS operations, and purchase EMS Board-approved training and equipment.

ORDINANCE (EMERGENCY) submitted by Milton Dohoney, Jr., City Manager, on 3/28/2007, accepting and confirming the dedication of Deercove Court and Foxcove Court to public use for street purposes and the dedication of a public storm sewer easement, as shown on the plat designed "Right-of-Way Dedication Plan" (the "Plat"), a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A. (APPROVED BY CITY PLANNING COMMISSION ON 3/16/2007)

REPORT, dated 3/28/2007, submitted by Milton Dohoney, Jr., City Manager, on a motion, submitted by Councilmember Thomas on 1/26/2007, that the City Administration explore the feasibility of Posting Signage informing those who are under court imposed community control for drug crimes or serious crime of violence, of the potential consequences of their actions. The signage location must be in an area identified by law enforcement as a known area for drug activity and crimes of violence. (See attached sample signage.)

REPORT, dated 3/28/2007, submitted by Milton Dohoney, Jr., City Manager, on a communication, dated 1/30/2007, submitted by Councilmember Crowley, from Tim Jeckering President, Northside Community Council, P.O. Box 23324, Cincinnati, Ohio 45223, regarding the construction of the $15-20 million CPS Montessori School at Schwab Site.

REPORT, dated 3/28/2007, submitted by Milton Dohoney, Jr., City Manager, on a communication from the State of Ohio, Division of Liquor Control, advising of a permit application for East Bank Properties LLC DBA Sidebar and Restaurant, 950 Pavilion St. 1st Floor Basement & Patio. (#2400054, TRFO, D1, D2, D3, D3A, D6) [Objections: None]

REPORT, dated 3/28/2007, submitted by Milton Dohoney, Jr., City Manager, on a communication from the State of Ohio, Division of Liquor Control, advising of a permit application for Summit Club, Inc. DBA Bankers Club of Cincinnati, Dubois Tower 30th Fl, Fifth/Third Center. (#8692240, STCK, D1, D2, D3, D6) [Objections: None]

REPORT, dated 3/28/2007, submitted by Milton Dohoney, Jr., City Manager, on a motion, dated 1/18/2007, submitted by Councilmembers Thomas and Crowley that the City Administration prepare an ordinance that brings the City of Cincinnati back into compliance with Section 2933.43 of the Ohio Revised Code (ORC). (SEE DOCUMENT #200700080 FOR ADOPTED MOTION)

REPORT, dated 3/28/2007, submitted by Milton Dohoney, Jr., City Manager, regarding public and private elements in the sidewalk space (First Report).

REPORT, dated 3/28/2007, submitted by Milton Dohoney, Jr., City Manager, on a communication from the State of Ohio, Division of Liquor Control, advising of a permit application for Mumtaz I Inc. DBA Quality Market and Wireless, 3627 McHenry Ave. (#6229882, New, C1) [Objections: Cincinnati Poice Department and the East Westwood Community Council]

REPORT, dated 3/28/2007, submitted by Milton Dohoney, Jr., City Manager, on a communication from the State of Ohio, Division of Liquor Control, advising of a permit application for Jalapenos Mex Mex LLC DBA Jalapenos, 700 Elm Street. (#4225613, TREX, D1, D2) [Objections: None]

REPORT, dated 3/28/2007, submitted by Milton Dohoney, Jr., City Manager, on a communication from the State of Ohio, Division of Liquor Control, advising of a permit application for Zaheera LLC DBA Sams Market, 1900-02 Linn Street 1st Fl. (#9870842, Transfer of Ownership, C1, C2) [Objections: Cincinnati Police Department and the West End Community Council]

REPORT, dated 3/28/2007, submitted by Milton Dohoney, Jr., City Manager, on a communication from the State of Ohio, Division of Liquor Control, advising of a permit application for Mortons of Chicago Carew Tower LLC DBA (None listed), 441 Vine Street Suite 2A. (#6186895, TREX, D1, D2) [Objections: None]

REPORT, dated 3/28/2007, submitted by Milton Dohoney, Jr., City Manager, on a communication from the State of Ohio, Division of Liquor Control, advising of a permit application for Mortons of Chicago Carew Tower LLC DBA (None listed), 441 Vine Street Suite 2A. (#6186895, New, D3, D3A) [Objections: None]

REPORT, dated 3/28/2007, submitted by Milton Dohoney, Jr., City Manager, on a communication from the State of Ohio, Division of Liquor Control, advising of a permit application for Jalapenos Mex Mex LLC DBA Jalapenos, 700 Elm Street. (#4225613, New, D3) [Objections: None]

ORDINANCE submitted by Milton Dohoney, Jr., City Manager, on 2/14/2007, authorizing the City Manager enter into Amendment No. 2 with Broadway Development 2001, Ltd. for the City-owned property at Seventh Street and Broadway Avenue. (APPROVED BY CITY PLANNING COMMISSION ON 3/16/2007)

ORDINANCE submitted by Milton Dohoney, Jr., City Manager, on 2/22/2007, appropriating to public use property required for the Third/Linn/Dalton Street water main improvement project. (APPROVED BY CITY PLANNING COMMISSION ON 3/16/2007)

ORDINANCE (EMERGENCY) submitted by Milton Dohoney, Jr., City Manager, on 3/7/2007, authorizing the grant of Temporary Construction Easement ot Neyer Properties, Inc. (an Ohio corporation), Dana Residential Investment, Ltd. (an Ohio limited liability company) Keystone Parke I, LLC (an Ohio limited liability company) and Keystone Parke II, LLC (an Ohio limited liability company), (collectively the "Keystone Parke Developer"), for the benefit of the Keystone Parke project, which easement is not needed for any municipal purpose during the subject construction period; determining that the proposed Temporary Construction Easement Agreement is satisfactory; determining that the granting of the easement without competitive bidding is in the public interest; determining the fair market value of the easement; determining that the grant of easement at less than fair market value will result in a significant public benefit; and, declaring an emergency. (APPROVED BY CITY PLANNING COMMISSION ON 3/16/2007)

ORDINANCE, (EMERGENCY) submitted by Margaret Wuerstle, Chief Planner, Department of Community Development and Planning, APPROVING and adopting revisions of the Lower Price Hill Industrial Area Urban Renewal Plan set out in the Final Lower Price Hill Industrial Area Amendment dated February 2007. (THIS ITEM WAS APPROVED BY THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION ON 3/2/2007) (PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD BEFORE THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE, TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2007 AT 12:00 P.M.)

ORDINANCE submitted by Milton Dohoney, Jr., City Manager, on 2/28/2007, authorizing the City Manager to enter into a rental agreement with Enterprise Rent-A-Car for office space in the Lunken Administration Building's North Terminal and the use of 12 parking spaces in the adjoining parking lot. (APPROVED BY CITY PLANNING COMMISSON ON 3/16/2007)

ORDINANCE (EMERGENCY) submitted by Milton Dohoney, Jr., City Manager, on 3/7/2007, approving and authorizing the transfer of an approximate 0.447 acre parcel of Park Property located on the northeastern portion of Evanston Park (aka "Evanston Playfield"), in the Evanston community, to Neyer Properties Incorporated (the "Keystone Parke Developer"), for the benefit of the Keystone Parke Project; determining that the property is no longer needed for municipal purposes; determining that the proposed contract for the transfer of Park Property is satisfactory; determining that the transfer of the Park Property without competitive bidding is in the public interest; determining the fair market value of the property; determining that the transfer of the Park Property to Neyer Properties Incorporated at less than fair market value will result in a significant public benefit. (APPROVED BY CITY PLANNING COMMISSION ON 3/16/2007)

ORDINANCE (EMERGENCY) submitted by Milton Dohoney, Jr., City Manager, on 3/7/2007, authorizing and confirming a deed of general warranty from Duke Energy Corporation, conveying to the City of Cincinnati Park Board approximately 0.655 acres of real property located at 2111 Dana Avenue, in the Evanston community, for the use and benefit of Evanston Playfield (aka "Evanston Park"). (APPROVED BY THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION ON 3/16/2007)

ORDINANCE (EMERGENCY) submitted by Milton Dohoney, Jr., City Manager, on 3/7/2007, approving the lease of 35,429 square feet of City-owned real property located along the right-of-way known as Realistic Avenue, south of Dana Avenue, to Neyer Properties, Incorporated, an Ohio corporation, for the benefit of the Keystone Parke project (formerly "The Keystone" project), and determining that the lease of the property without competitive bidding is in the public interest; determining the fair lease value of subject lease; authorizing the City Manager to enter into a lease agreement for the lease of such property; and, determining that the proposed lease agreement is satisfactory. (APPROVED BY CITY PLANNING COMMISSION ON 3/16/2007)

ORDINANCE (EMERGENCY) submitted by Milton Dohoney, Jr., City Manager, on 3/21/2007, authorizing the City Manager to enter into a Contract For Sale of City Property For Redevelopment with MetroWest I, LLC, an Ohio limited liability company, for real property located within the MetroWest light industrial site bounded generally by Gest Street, Evans Street and the Baltimore and Ohio (CSX) Railroad tracks in Lower Price Hill to remediate and redevelop into a light industrial/commercial park, which real property is no longer needed for any municipal purpose. (APPROVED BY CITY PLANNING COMMISSION ON 01/19/2007)

ORDINANCE authorizing the City Manager to close the Collins Avenue steps to pedestrian access for a period of five years to measure their impact on public safety.(CITY PLANNING COMMISSION DISAPPROVED THIS ITEM ON 2/2/2007)

COMMUNICATION, dated 3/20/2007, submitted by the Clerk of Council, from Dominic A. Panzera, Jr., Attorney, Legal Section, Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Liquor Control, 6606 Tussing Road, Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068-9005 regarding New Permit Application, Permit #0951157, Class C-2, Brick City Market, Inc., dba Pit Stop, 3411 Glenway Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45205. Hearing will be held on April 20, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. in Room B.

COMMUNICATION, dated 3/20/2007, submitted by the Clerk of Council, from Dominic A. Panzera, Jr., Attorney, Legal Section, Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Liquor Control, 6606 Tussing Road, Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068-9005 regarding 2005-2006 and 2006 - 2007 Renewal Applications, Permit #6548587, Class C-1-2, 118 West 15th, Inc. dba Downtown Grocery, 118 West 15th Street, 1st Floor, Cincinnati, Ohio 45210. Hearing will be held on April 20, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. in Room B.

RESOLUTION, dated 3/13/2007 submitted by the Clerk of Council, from J. Rita McNeil, City Solicitor, declaring the intent to appropriate to public use property required for the improvement of Fort Washington Way.

STATEMENT, submitted by the Clerk of Council, formally filing a copy of the Financial Disclosure Statement for William V. Langevin, Building & Inspections, Director.

STATEMENT, submitted by the Clerk of Council, formally filing a copy of the Financial Disclosure Statement for Michael A. Thomas, Recreation Director. (Interim)

ORDINANCE (EMERGENCY) submitted by Milton Dohoney, Jr., City Manager, 03/21/2007, authorizing the City Administration to sign the preliminary legislation prepared by the Director of the Ohio Department of Transportation ("ODOT"), a copy of which is attached herewith, concerning the Colerain Avenue street improvement project, which is included in the Department of Transportation and Engineering's Colerain Corridor Transportation System Management plan, between Virginia Avenue and Leeper Street, which would include upgrading Colerain Avenue by improving the horizontal geometry, widening to standard land widths, installing new street lighting, and removing on street parking between Virginia Avenue and Leeper Street.

ORDINANCE, dated March 27, 2007, submitted by Leslie Ghiz from J. Rita McNeil, City Solicitor, SUBJECT: Notwithstanding Ordinance-Outdoor Advertising Sign at the Northwest Corner of Delta Avenue and Columbia Parkway NOTHWITHSTANDING THE Provisions of Section 895-5(g) of the Cincinnati Municipal Code, authorizing the Director of Buildings and Inspections to issue a permit for the installation of an outdoor advertising sign on Hamilton County Auditor's Parcel No. 28-4-44, at the northwest corner of Delta Avenue and Columbia Parkway.

ORDINANCE, dated March 27, 2007, submitted by Councilmember Chris Bortz, from J. Rita McNeil, City Solicitor, Subject: ORDINANCE-CRA EXEMPTIONS, Providing uniform rules for Community Reinvestment Area exemptions from real property taxation by designating the entire City of Cincinnati as a Community Reinvestment Area pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Sections 3735.65 through 3735.70; designating a Housing Officer; providing for a Community Reinvestment Area Housing Council; determining the nature and length of exemption from real property taxation; and authorizing the City Manager to file a petition with the director of the Ohio Department of Development to confirm the findings of this ordinance; and, REPEALING Ordinance No. 0342-2002, which was passed by City Council on October 23, 2002.

ORDINANCE (EMERGENCY) submitted by Milton Dohoney, Jr., City Manager, on 3/14/2007, authorizing the Administration to do all things necessary to cooperate with the Director of the Ohio Department of Transportation ("ODOT") to complete planning the existing asphalt wearing course as necessary, performing partial and full depth pavement repairs, placing an intermediate asphalt course, repairing deteriorated curbs along inlets and manholes, adjusting manhole, valve chamber and inlet castings to grade and resetting valve boxes, resurfacing the entire pavement with asphaltic concrete, and performing the necessary pavement marking work lying within the City of Cincinnati for Glenway Avenue (SR 264) from Shirley Place to Warsaw Avenue; Central Parkway (US 27) from West 12th Street to Liberty Street; and Gilbert Avenue (US 22/SR 3) from Court Street to Elsinore Place; Urban Paving Program project (HAM-264-10.49).

ORDINANCE (EMERGENCY) submitted by Milton Dohoney, Jr., City Manager, on 3/14/2007, authorizing the Administration to do all things necessary to cooperate with the Director of the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to complete planning the existing asphalt wearing course as necessary, performing partial and full depth pavement repairs, placing an intermediate asphalt course, repairing deteriorated curbs along with inlets and manholes, adjusting manhole, valve chamber and inlet castings to grade and resetting valve boxes, resurfacing the entire pavement with asphaltic concrete, and performing the necessary pavement marking work within the City of Cincinnati for Montgomery Road (US 22) from Brewster Avenue to the Corporation Line with the City of Norwood, Montgomery Road (US 22) from Cypress Way to Coleridge Avenue, and Reading Road (US 42) from Paddock Road to the Norwood Lateral Expressway Urban Paving Program project (HAM-22-4.56).

ORDINANCE (EMERGENCY) submitted by Milton Dohoney, Jr., City Manager, on 3/14/2007, approving and authorizing the City Manager to execute the Fifth Amendment to Funding Agreement for Loan of CDBG Funds for Construction of Rental Property (the "Agreement") between the City of Cincinnati (hereinafter called "City") and Piatt Park Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation (hereinafter called "Redeveloper") for refinancing Garfield Place Housing Site 4.

ORDINANCE (EMERGENCY) submitted by Milton Dohoney, Jr., City Manager, on 3/21/2007, amending Ordinance No. 296-2004 and Ordinance No. 103-2006, related to the Police Department's Records Management System/Computer Aided Dispatch Replacement (RMS/CAD) project, for the purpose of directing the necessary grant funding to the appropriate City fund location, in order to continue to enable the Police Department to fund the Records Management System/Computer Aided Dispatch Replacement (RMS/CAD) project, which is intended to enhance police communication functions.

ORDINANCE submitted by Milton Dohoney, Jr., City Manager, on 3/21/2007, authorizing the transfer of $841,590 within various General Fund operating accounts for the purpose of realigning the accounts to implement a City Council mandated reduction of $1,500,000 for the 2007 Approved Budget.

ORDINANCE (EMERGENCY) submitted by Milton Dohoney, Jr., City Manager, on 3/21/2007, authorizing the City Manager to apply for and accept a grant from the State of Ohio's Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund for up to $3,000,000 for the purpose of providing funds to be used for clean up of environmental contamination, demolition of buildings, and other eligible uses at the MetroWest Commerce Park site in Lower Price Hill.

ORDINANCE (EMERGENCY) submitted by Milton Dohoney, Jr., City Manager, on 3/21/2007, to make an appropriation for the current expenses and other expenditures of the City of Cincinnati from Income Tax-Transit Fund 759 for SORTA operations for the period beginning April 1, 2007 and ending June 30, 2007.

ORDINANCE (EMERGENCY) submitted by Milton Dohoney, Jr., City Manager, on 3/27/2007, authorizing the payment of $156,127.15 as a moral obligation to various programs funded with the Emergency Shelter Grant ("ESG") and Housing Opportunity for Persons with AIDS ("HOPWA") grant for operating expenses ranging from January 15, 2007 to March 19, 2007.

REPORT, dated 3/21/2007, submitted by Milton Dohoney, Jr., City Manager, regarding the Department of Finance reports for the month ended February 28, 2007. (REPORT ON FILE IN CLERK'S OFFICE)

RESOLUTION submitted by Milton Dohoney, Jr., City Manager, on 3/14/2007, declaring the necessity of assessing for the control of blight and disease of shade trees within the public rights-of-way, and for planting, maintaining, trimming and removing shade trees in and along the streets of the City of Cincinnati's Urban Forestry Maintenance District for the year 2008.

ORDINANCE (EMERGENCY), dated 3/27/07, submitted by Councilmember Thomas, amending Ordinance No. 79-2006 to repeal the twelve-month sunset provision regarding Section 910-23, "Possession of Marijuana," of the Cincinnati Municipal Code, in order to provide that Section 910-23 shall remain in full force and effect indefinitely, which section would otherwise expire on March 29, 2007.

REPORT, dated 3/27/2007, submitted by Milton Dohoney, Jr., City Manager, regarding status report detailing effect of Cincinnati Municipal Code 910-23.

REPORT, dated 03/06/2007, submitted by Councilmember Cole, from Milton Dohoney, Jr., City Manager, presenting the City of Cincinnati Neighborhood Strategy.