The plan shows a trail beginning at the Beechmont Bridge, crossing Wooster Pike to Red Bank Road, through a right-of-way from the Fairfax Trail, running down Hiawatha Avenue and past the library. It could also run behind the commercial development area by Kroger.

“It is only a dream right now,” Heilmann said, who conceived the idea after a village resident inquired if a bike trail could be added to the village. “But I would like to discuss this with council and make plans (any kind of plans) that would somehow connect both ends of the present trail with Mariemont.”

Heilmann said the bike trail that is planned to run through Terrace Park will be completed sometime next year.

Of course, financing the construction of a “loop” trail through the village will not be cheap.

Heilmann said he has funding available – approximately $1.5 million – but that will only cover part of the overall cost, although the village could apply for more grant money through various other groups and organizations.

Mayor Dan Policastro said council will discuss the idea.

“We would have to have a public meeting and talk to the people who live along the proposed route,” he said.

There was no mention of the next time council would address the issue.

Welcome aboard
Village council approved to offer Police Chief Rick Hines and Lt. Tim Messer full-time, officially recognized positions on the police department. Hines and Messer recently completed their 180-day probationary period.

Hines, a 21-year veteran in law enforcement, came to the village’s department on March 14, 1998. He is now the new chief of police.

“I would like to say thanks for your confidence in me,” Hines said to council. “I am also thankful for my staff ... I ask a lot of them and they always get the job done. This village deserves nothing but the best from their police department and I expect to give them the best.”

Messer is a 17-year veteran in law enforcement and came to the village on April 11, 1994. He has now be promoted to dayshift lieutenant.

New lawncare contract
Council accepted a committee report that recommended they draw up a new outsourcing contract for those parties that mow the village’s public green spaces.

The report suggests the signing of a two-year contract that includes additional parcels not included in the old contracts. Those new parcels will represent approximately 20 percent of the total areas mowed under the new contract.

There was some discussion amongst council whether or not the new contract would save the village money of if it would cost more in the long run.

Council will be deliberating on the issue soon.

Miscellaneous
* Leaf removal will end Friday, Dec. 23
* The tree lighting/luminaria will be 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3
* Village offices will be closed Monday, Dec. 26, in observation of Christmas
* Village offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 2, 2006, in observation of New Year’s Day

Ordinances
note: council must read ordinances three times (one reading per council meeting, pending any exceptions such as emergencies)

* “To Remove No Parking Restriction on the west side of Miami Road between Wooster Pike and Lane L to increase available parking.”
This was the third reading and council approved the ordinance unanimously.

* “To restrict parking on Pocahontas and Hiawatha avenues.”
This was the third reading and council approved the ordinance unanimously.
“It seems cars are increasing there so now it’s time to remedy this,” Councilman Bill Ebelhar said. Residents will be given notice of this change, which will take affect in 30 days.