[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6226717,"mediaKeyId","3503925-c60ebad02e773a410dfa820bc0517367","parentId",3503925,"title","Council rescinds sale and votes to re‑obtain 25 Main Street for economic‑development planning","audioSeconds",3090,"startMs",1990000,"endMs",5080000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3503925-c60ebad02e773a410dfa820bc0517367&start=1990&end=5080","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3503925-c60ebad02e773a410dfa820bc0517367/thumbnail_1990000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6226717/Ohio/Council-rescinds-sale-and-votes-to-reobtain-25-Main-Street-for-economicdevelopment-planning","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6226717-a5b813fcf17ffba2ffdaf958f3bd44fa/orig.mp4?Expires=1770506175&Signature=HWegmdjRGy6oy~EZInK6YAOyZ16RUdiGEUbfp79DU8VhtXrQ7xxoX7aoXB~6BoymZ1Gw5E~R3E5d1G5hEQcJ4FztG62IpDsbfInUHkaSweu2bySFCBDf5wHE7ssjs9dqBK-OsdtguU9DX7RNw9gwiB3XLabzSUxMDLGUcGflIcvLNxeX3S7jBW82Nw~1uU7fjIwvEAzYK6VTg6aWd7ikHwrnClFb8CeBWw5WTun-z7jABziDMAJNzobDCXIwPx7gCQ~AxWnk9NgSTPM~-HDrJiskk6qTX4PQ7dQmPRGh9ZRF1PwNibSx8TKG~Ja0bEpwt8jG7ytyN~UoaTd7UwkNig__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Milford, OH ","date","2025-05-25T08:48:52.787Z","article","Milford City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to terminate a previous agreement to sell 25 Main Street and to re‑obtain the property for future economic‑development planning.

In Committee of the Whole discussion City Manager Benjamin Gunderson described the action as a strategic repurchase to allow the city to steer redevelopment options downtown. Gunderson asked the law director to draft an ordinance to terminate the sale agreement related to a former buyer identified in the packet memo; the law director returned the ordinance to council and Pacheco read Ordinance 25‑356 on the floor.

The ordinance states council previously authorized the sale by Ordinance 23‑211 and that council has since determined terminating the purchase agreement and re‑obtaining ownership serves the public interest. The ordinance becomes effective immediately under charter provisions cited in the text.

Ending: The ordinance passed unanimously. City staff said they will proceed with paperwork and return with next steps for planning and potential development options for 25 Main Street.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Milford City Council 05/20/25","oneSentenceSummary","Council passed Ordinance 25‑356 to terminate a prior purchase agreement for 25 Main Street and to re‑obtain ownership of the property for future economic‑development strategy. The action was approved unanimously.","taxTitle","Milford City Council , Milford City, Clermont County, Ohio","taxId",70385,"location","Ohio","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6226722,"Milford manager proposes moving trash subsidy to stormwater fund, and creating a budget‑stabilization reserve",391,2222000,2613000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3503925-c60ebad02e773a410dfa820bc0517367&start=2222&end=2613","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3503925-c60ebad02e773a410dfa820bc0517367/thumbnail_2222000.jpg","/articles/6226722/Ohio/Milford-manager-proposes-moving-trash-subsidy-to-stormwater-fund-and-creating-a-budgetstabilization-reserve","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6226722-e58c2f10ae4fd1f967265014d8eb0ff0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770506175&Signature=d2Qbe3OZFtpRDBCY0Cari9d33VBNsB4-Fry-lq-kxmGur7WdmON~YKNqkRzYT2MCpaSeMmE96r83JbTt3B8sdEXWvak-OdZ1ICpjsjP8YhLeFdklemdfpUkx1KHQ8MAz~vS3mCOBi4rhYclKbE-i-U~~-Dlx~sFJ1M4mJ85rbcta6895Ujk-IIyTSw7q8kVh08wNxrakYGQ7UQqP8iCJJTKppMXt6EC2cpa1z1A4Bww~n-VUjRAAX~L8n72x8T~kxZ3gWizFFuiErJw7nMwU0zG1qo4l0yeZdBjq6IWqHFY7xtN~xnPyfOlSZBFQfAm6FVY5Xb8CIps4twxs9eFgIw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Manager Benjamin Gunderson proposed two budget changes Tuesday aimed at preserving the city’s general fund: moving the annual subsidy for the municipal trash contract (about $300,000) into the stormwater utility fund, and creating a separate budget-stabilization reserve to hold general-fund balances above the city’s target level.

Gunderson told council the trash service currently draws roughly $300,000 per year from the general fund. He said moving the contract expense into the stormwater fund — which currently carries roughly $1.8 million in balance — would spread the cost across a utility fund that is dedicated to long-term infrastructure needs and likely avoid near-term rate shocks for residents.

Council members raised two caveats: several stormwater projects (Garfield Avenue, Laurel Avenue and others) have been pending for years, and using the stormwater fund for ongoing trash subsidies should not displace planned capital work. Gunderson agreed and said the intent is to temporarily use the fund balance while continuing prioritization of needed stormwater projects. He stressed that council would still decide project schedules and that staff would preserve transparency on any trade-offs.

Gunderson also recommended a budget‑stabilization fund — a formal “savings account” that would hold any general‑fund balance above the city’s target reserve (the city plans for 20 percent though some language referenced 16 percent). The fund would separate discretionary excess from operating reserves and provide a clearer source for one‑time needs or emergency draws.

Ending: The ideas were discussed but no ordinance or formal vote was taken; Gunderson said staff will return with analyses and proposed ordinance language for council consideration.","City Manager Benjamin Gunderson proposed shifting the annual $300,000 trash service subsidy from the general fund to the stormwater utility fund, and creating a separate budget-stabilization account to hold excess general‑fund balances beyond the targeted reserve level.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6226726,"Council OKs application for NatureWorks grants and hears plan for FC Cincinnati \"mini pitch\"; approves city‑hall landscaping",2911,2693000,5604000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3503925-c60ebad02e773a410dfa820bc0517367&start=2693&end=5604","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3503925-c60ebad02e773a410dfa820bc0517367/thumbnail_2693000.jpg","/articles/6226726/Ohio/Council-OKs-application-for-NatureWorks-grants-and-hears-plan-for-FC-Cincinnati-mini-pitch-approves-cityhall-landscaping","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6226726-bfec6d57939ba7aff3c6615759809e13/orig.mp4?Expires=1770506175&Signature=eti-TvC5SG2IxlKH0i5xTensMziaiw4Nx0CXQw~41lxjBVcrSeb1y6aqErxUxYaH-EZgpDj7un9TEFJe3RvsqlRP8uSWXHa84fB9NbPPu8I42CKLT9NEuzQO1jC~fs74K9msOB4rcwswpK2fWLp1QD2zkHi-mzhXRTAAICqd6AtmAgUHoF3ZPl-dRBeO1COhA6-9rhfhJk60qFksW2fcQkFtVEIlWe9qvf6Ee0Zpkv1l9jnH-PFb1CjvxzUjle7Mz7ueq9MaCpl7yQclhVoqzaYgZCLvDkMFrTifSR75rEOctBww3cMcyzYdf7Axl1MjviLiSsD-rlgk9kgr5hc2fg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Milford City Council on Tuesday authorized the city manager to apply for Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) NatureWorks grants and discussed a privately funded FC Cincinnati “mini pitch” to be installed in Riverside 2 this fall. The council also approved a $12,157 contract for landscaping improvements at City Hall.

The NatureWorks program provides matching assistance for park acquisition and development; City Manager Benjamin Gunderson said the program typically uses a 75/20/5 split (applicant/county/other matches) and that the city would identify suitable projects before the June 1 application deadline. Councilmembers suggested possible targets including resurfacing tennis courts at Zim, adding pickleball lines and rehabilitating play equipment at Clartoma.

On a related parks item, Gunderson presented a partnership offer from FC Cincinnati and its construction partner (referred to as Moats) to install a fully enclosed, turf mini soccer pitch in Riverside 2. Gunderson said FC Cincinnati will cover the construction costs (the city’s staff estimated the installation at roughly $150,000–$200,000) and asked council for feedback. The club requested a temporary gravel driveway and optional landscaping assistance; Gunderson said construction would be timed for a September 2025 start with the facility available by late September or early October. Council agreed to accept a letter of intent to be presented at the June 17 meeting.

Separately the council approved an ordinance to contract with Outside Influence LLC for City Hall landscaping ($12,157). Gunderson said staff reduced the bid by using internal crews for some plant removal and expects the work to improve the appearance of the municipal building.

Ending: The NatureWorks resolution passed; staff will pursue grant options and present a letter of intent for the mini‑pitch at the June meeting. The City Hall landscaping contract was approved unanimously.","Council authorized staff to apply for ODNR NatureWorks grants, discussed a proposed FC Cincinnati mini soccer pitch in Riverside 2 (projected installation September 2025, privately funded) and approved $12,157 for City Hall landscaping.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6226732,"Milford law director proposes charter updates; council schedules public hearings in June and July",477,3078000,3555000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3503925-c60ebad02e773a410dfa820bc0517367&start=3078&end=3555","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3503925-c60ebad02e773a410dfa820bc0517367/thumbnail_3078000.jpg","/articles/6226732/Ohio/Milford-law-director-proposes-charter-updates-council-schedules-public-hearings-in-June-and-July","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6226732-3982f86c1c24f7160539a18b2f7c9951/orig.mp4?Expires=1770506175&Signature=O1QQYgazhQZNEzVppu3tibX-UdXxcF93sKZq~sEwo7eBHrSpIKCkAWDscpCv3V2hlD~-JjKHWO5ZBZ1UaKK087-UONSpBHETYEShpe3Q5zaA0SqtIxX9f5cakCtgmlFGIYYj99GIIudIklMbNwglR2L4PyeVre10b29SIbauF8aCInQ197a69gbWq2O6flX23oORJih6bOE69UpKJDVj3CIP2XklOtHH-tCfRKYxLQkcboBk3XjukWCU8wVolNEAGLgm9MhWiMoZPeacPNra7CgsoJUxkRf55den6UzAuClS9fLcWbdEjhBvwkoUHN4avizKzt0woDVZkCw9nTbm9g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Milford law director on Tuesday laid out a package of proposed changes to the city charter and council agreed to hold two public hearings this summer to solicit comment.

Law Director (Mister) Pacheco told council the redlined proposals — posted on the city's website and provided to council — include a mix of operational clarifications and procedural changes, such as lengthening council candidacy residency from 90 days to one year, removing residency requirements for the city manager and city clerk, tying competitive-bidding thresholds to current Ohio statutory thresholds and adjusting the council members’ term start date to reduce lame‑duck time.

Why it matters: Pacheco said the changes are intended to increase administrative efficiency and align municipal practice with other Ohio charters. He recommended tying the city’s bidding threshold to whatever the state’s statutory minimum is (he cited the current general threshold of about $78,000 as an example) and removing an internal rule that requires council to pass ordinances only after committee recommendations — a change he said would reduce duplicate meetings and speed routine operations.

Pacheco said the proposals also clarify that the city manager is the appointing authority for department heads and related removal authority, reflecting the manager form of government the charter already envisions. He said the city could place changes on the ballot if council chooses and noted a July 16 deadline to submit materials to the local elections board if council wants the revisions included in an upcoming election.

Council agreed to schedule two public hearings — June 17 and July 15 at 7:00 p.m. — to gather public input. City Manager Benjamin Gunderson said the hearings can be held during regular council meetings to make participation easier; Gunderson moved the motion and a second was recorded, and the motion carried unanimously.

Ending: Staff will publish the proposed redlines on the city website and add the public-hearing notices; Pacheco said additional public engagement and edits are possible after those hearings before any charter amendment is finalized for the ballot.","The city's law director presented proposed charter changes including residency requirements, purchasing thresholds and clarifications of the city manager role; the council voted to hold public hearings on June 17 and July 15.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6226735,"Milford approves up to $275,000 for State Route 28 emergency water and sewer repairs; orders new pumps for Happy Hollow lift station",328,4025000,4353000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3503925-c60ebad02e773a410dfa820bc0517367&start=4025&end=4353","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3503925-c60ebad02e773a410dfa820bc0517367/thumbnail_4025000.jpg","/articles/6226735/Ohio/Milford-approves-up-to-275000-for-State-Route-28-emergency-water-and-sewer-repairs-orders-new-pumps-for-Happy-Hollow-lift-station","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6226735-55215baeb5b8388fcf9480260c0e8d4d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770506175&Signature=m9oNPunlm4IxbRIAvTbdg3KUohPEJvFyJXcZdB1r808MMAwF7b2FgEtAqgBG~mhFZGYacKZV8PNoB5oJmP1sVT5NBbeuy6rKdv8RonZbxNVr006692NNB2UYbhDTyelBwvNnpkJz5VAyCYojqBRDB7kPngU5CnN8citgOPuY6nyK3s0f9eMqCpqZDigzXHUfpb0mZEZloYvIMMz05lHY8bGYPYqlGvDAIlvYoFDMh~EsikrhnbnWfa-tRFDfwoWwEbKMrx6Vx1~CygqMyxDugRLza~ZwsHqPPNzPipeDLojQ~GU0G-8PdoqOjmRd9o2EF8pWjo9J6TsKsZ40Uk99jQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Milford City Council on Tuesday approved emergency spending authorizations to cover immediate water and sewer repairs after a leak on State Route 28 led crews to replace an estimated 400 feet of failing infrastructure.

City Manager Benjamin Gunderson told council the work began as a water leak that revealed collapsed sewer piping and multiple failing water-line sections; Gunderson asked the law director to draft an ordinance authorizing emergency expenses. “It went from a small water leak to we needed to replace an entire 400 foot sewer line,” Gunderson said during the Committee of the Whole discussion. The council adopted Ordinance 25‑359, which authorizes the city manager to pay project bills up to $275,000.

Why it matters: the leak required immediate excavation and repairs, interrupted traffic on State Route 28 and prompted a 24‑hour boil‑water advisory for affected customers. Gunderson said water service was restored about 5 a.m. the morning before the meeting and that the city expects to reopen the road to normal flow after paving repairs are complete, with the earliest full reopening by Friday if weather allows.

Council and staff described funding adjustments to reduce the budgetary impact. Gunderson said crews trimmed other paving items and postponed some equipment purchases to free funds; he also said the city added the affected stretch to the annual milling-and-resurfacing schedule to save money. The Council voted unanimously to adopt the emergency spending ordinance.

Council separately approved an ordinance to purchase replacement pumps for the Happy Hollow lift station after a failure left the station unable to reliably move wastewater uphill. Gunderson said the station serves five or six apartment buildings and that rented pumps have been used as a temporary measure; the council authorized a $109,766 contract with the Henry P. Thompson Company to supply two pumps (Ordinance 25‑361).

During discussion, council members and staff flagged the underlying problem: aging underground infrastructure in areas that may need larger, planned replacements. Councilmember Parrish said the city should resume a more proactive program of lining or replacing vulnerable sewer segments rather than reacting to failures. Gunderson and others said they will continue to identify funding and schedule larger stormwater and sewer projects.

Quotes in context: “We took the approach that this is something that we needed to replace at the same time simultaneously, not only because of the age and the shape of the existing infrastructure, but because we wanted to do it right from the start,” Gunderson said. Law Director Pacheco explained that the charter permits emergency contracting without competitive bidding in real or present emergencies.

Ending: Ordinances for the emergency repairs and Happy Hollow pumps passed on unanimous votes. Staff said they would continue to present funding options and project schedules to council as the city moves from emergency fixes to longer-term capital work.","The Milford City Council authorized emergency spending to cover an immediate replacement of about 400 feet of failing water and sewer main along State Route 28 and separately approved purchase of new pumps for the Happy Hollow lift station after recent failures; council also discussed boil advisory, road reopening timeline and funding offsets.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council rescinds sale and votes to re‑obtain 25 Main Street for economic‑development planning

Milford manager proposes moving trash subsidy to stormwater fund, and creating a budget‑stabilization reserve

Council OKs application for NatureWorks grants and hears plan for FC Cincinnati "mini pitch"; approves city‑hall landscaping

Milford law director proposes charter updates; council schedules public hearings in June and July

Milford approves up to $275,000 for State Route 28 emergency water and sewer repairs; orders new pumps for Happy Hollow lift station