Blue Ash residents could see $3.7 million in Summit Park improvements move forward Thursday, Sept. 10, when City Council votes on a budget amendment and three other major resolutions.

Council meets at 7 p.m. at the Municipal & Safety Center, 4343 Cooper Road. The meeting packet, posted Tuesday, Sept. 8, includes eight resolutions spanning park upgrades, employee benefits, a state grant and a residential rezoning.

$3.7 million for Summit Park parking and picnic grove

Resolution 2026-63 asks council to add $2.175 million to the $1.525 million already budgeted for Summit Park's west parking lot, east parking lot and picnic grove, sometimes called the beer garden. That would set a total project budget of $3.7 million.

A Sept. 8 memo from the City Manager's Office said the August council session showed strong support for the parking lot work and majority support for the picnic grove. Council wanted more time to consider dog park improvements, which could return at a later meeting or as part of the 2027 budget.

Health insurance rates climbing 18.96%

Resolution 2026-64 would authorize employee benefits contracts for Nov. 1, 2026, through Oct. 31, 2027. Jefferson Health Plan, the consortium Blue Ash joined in 2022, proposed an overall rate increase of 18.96%. The city's memo said 5.94% of that increase would go toward replenishing a reserve balance that turned negative after high-cost claims exceeded the plan's budget.

Under the proposed rates, a single employee would pay $751 per month. Family coverage would cost $2,256 per month. Dental, vision and life insurance renewals carry no rate increases.

A pharmacy rebid also produced savings. Optum Rx improved its rebate from $66,240 to $117,800, a $51,560 gain over the current rate.

The city offers employees who opt out of its health plan a $2,000 payment.

$350,000 state grant for Summit Park Phase 4

Resolution 2026-66 would let the City Manager accept a $350,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, awarded through Ohio Capital Budget Senate Bill 450. The grant supports Summit Park Phase 4 improvements. The resolution text refers to the project as the Summit Park Maintenance Building Project, though the City Manager's memo calls it Phase Four Improvements.

Parkview Drive rezoning: condos out, attached townhomes in

Resolution 2026-69 would approve an amended concept plan for a 3-acre site at 4255 Parkview Drive in the Arabella subdivision of The Neighborhoods at Summit Park. The original 2016 plan called for a 36-unit condominium building and 28 detached townhomes. The new plan from WP Land would replace those with 54 attached townhomes spread across 12 buildings, each containing three to seven units.

Mathew Walker, representing WP Land, presented the amendment to the Planning Commission on Thursday, Sept. 3. The commission recommended approval, conditioned on the plan meeting the Fire Marshal's requirements. Walker has already been in contact with the Fire Marshal, according to the packet.

Because the commission classified the change as substantial, it goes to council for an administrative review. No public hearing is required. If council approves, WP Land can submit a final development plan to the commission at a future meeting. If not, the 2016 plan stays in effect.

Other business

Council will also vote on a $155,500 contract with Ice Rink Events for Summit Park's 10th-season ice rink, $104,765 for two police vehicles from Tim Lally Chevrolet and removal of special assessments tied to a $6.8 million PACE loan at the Cincinnati Rehabilitation Hospital, whose owner plans to sell and pay off the debt early.

Councilman Jeff Capell has submitted a motion to prohibit the city from subsidizing Sister City trips, with an exception allowing the City Manager to spend up to $500 on a public event. An executive session on property acquisition and security protocols is also on the agenda.

The meeting is open to the public at 7 p.m. at the Municipal & Safety Center, 4343 Cooper Road.