Loveland City Council Tables Ordinance That Would Exempt City Projects from Committee or Commission Review

A proposed ordinance that would exempt city projects from review by an unknown number of committees or commissions has been tabled by Loveland City Council, delaying any final vote on the controversial measure.

The legislation was to receive a first reading and was expected to return for further consideration. However, council has now tabled the ordinance, meaning there was no reading or vote at the May 12 meeting.

It is currently unclear when or if the ordinance will return to council’s agenda.

The proposal has drawn criticism from residents because it would allow city government projects to bypass review from the Historic Preservation and Planning Commission and possibly other committees — the same oversight boards private property owners, businesses, and developers are required to go before when projects fall within designated historic areas.

Some residents have also raised concerns that the ordinance’s language could potentially create a precedent for future exemptions involving an unknown number of city committees and commissions, though city officials have not clarified whether broader exemptions are being considered.

Historic Preservation and Planning Commission Created Under Mayor Bailey

The Historic Preservation and Planning Commission is a relatively new commission created after Kathy Bailey became Mayor in late 2017.

City leaders said the commission was designed to help preserve Loveland’s historic character as redevelopment activity increased downtown and in other key areas. At the May 12th meeting Mayor Bailey reminded the audience that she created the commission back in 2018, although the commission was a suggestion from City Manager David Kennedy and it was brought to life by a vote of the entire seven person city council.

The board reviews demolition requests, exterior changes, signage proposals, and development projects in designated historic districts.

Current Vice Mayor Andy Bateman was one of the commission’s founding members before later running for and winning a seat on city council.

That history has become part of the public discussion as council now considers whether city projects should be exempt from the process Bateman helped create.

City Solicitor Says Exemptions Are “Not Uncommon”

During an April 14 council meeting, City Solicitor Joe Braun said it is “not uncommon” for municipalities to exempt themselves from oversight and regulations established by boards, commissions, and committees. Mr. Braun repeated that sentiment at the May 12^th meeting. However, Braun did not provide examples of other Ohio communities that have adopted similar policies.

That lack of specifics has left some residents with unanswered questions about why the exemption is being pursued and how common the practice actually is.

Public Can Still Participate

Even though no vote took place on May 12, residents can continue following the issue as it moves through city government. The Loveland Daily will continue to keep a close eye on this issue.

During regular Loveland City Council meetings, residents may speak during open forum by signing up before the meeting begins. Speakers are typically given five minutes to address council, though the mayor may limit repetitive testimony on the same issue.

For now, the ordinance remains unresolved — but the broader debate over transparency, accountability, and whether city government should follow the same rules as residents appears far from over.