Cincinnati City Council

Could county and city be facing a sewer deadlock?

Tana Weingartner — Wed, 22 May 2013 20:14:23 +0000

Hamilton County Commissioners are ordering the Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) to suspend work until the City of Cincinnati changes a new hiring policy.

The County owns MSD but it's operated by the city.

On Wednesday, commissioners passed a resolution stopping work on all projects affected by the city's policy. The county argues the policy, which requires an apprenticeship program, unfairly excludes many non-union companies from bidding for construction jobs.

County & City still at odds over hiring practice

Tana Weingartner — Wed, 15 May 2013 17:25:05 +0000

Hamilton County Commissioners still aren't happy with the City of Cincinnati's responsible bidder program for Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) construction projects.

The board is drafting replacement language and, to show he means business, commissioner Chris Monzel is considering a restraining order forcing the city not to award any MSD contracts until the issue is resolved.

The key issue is a clause requiring companies bidding for sewer work to have certified apprenticeship programs with graduates.

County and city sparring over hiring language for sewer work

Tana Weingartner — Mon, 13 May 2013 19:57:14 +0000

Hamilton County Commissioners want Cincinnati to change some language in the city's hiring policies for companies bidding on Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) construction projects.

The city wants all construction firms to have apprenticeship programs.

Groups like the Greater Cincinnati Building Construction Trades Council like the plan. However, some companies say it's not feasible for several reasons, including that apprentice programs for some specialized trades simply don't exist.

Mayor takes back staff raises

Tana Weingartner — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 21:03:46 +0000

Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory is rescinding raises he gave to several of his staff this week.

In a statement Mallory says:

“I am rescinding the raises that I gave my staff and returning all salaries to the previous levels. Although the changes that I made in my office structure resulted in a saving of $66,000 to be used in next year’s budget, I realize that the perception has had a negative effect on the morale of other City Employees."

Howard Wilkinson weekly chat

Maryanne Zeleznik — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 12:56:11 +0000

This morning Howard Wilkinson talks about endorsements in the Cincinnati City Council race.