City Council Recap: Honoring Service, Welcoming a New Officer and Reviewing Harrison’s Charter
- 15 hours ago
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Updated: 15 hours ago
Tuesday’s City Council meeting brought a surprise honor for Police Chief Charles Lindsey, welcomed a new officer to the Harrison Police Department and gave residents a first look at proposed updates to the City Charter.
Chief Lindsey Honored for Lifetime of Service
The Hamilton County Police Association presented Chief Lindsey with a lifetime achievement award recognizing his service to law enforcement across Hamilton County.
Chief Lindsey served on the association’s executive board for 24 years, including three years as president. Association leaders credited his leadership with helping regional teams including SWAT, underwater search and recovery, the mobile field force and honor guard grow and strengthen.
The presentation was intentionally kept off the agenda to preserve the surprise. Chief Lindsey accepted the award by thanking the law enforcement colleagues he described as family.
Council members each offered their own tributes to Chief Lindsey. “The City is better for having him as police chief,” Councilman Samuels said, recognizing the knowledge, leadership and humor Chief Lindsey has brought to Harrison throughout his career.
Harrison Welcomes Officer Joseph Reese
Joseph Reese was sworn in as Harrison’s newest police officer, filling a vacancy created by the retirement of Officer Ted Yaeger after 26 years of service.
Officer Reese is a graduate of Hamilton High School and the Great Oaks Police Academy. He has served with the City of Hamilton Police Department since 2021 and is now completing field training in Harrison.
“When we hire a person, it’s for an entire career, not just for a couple of years,” Chief Lindsey said as he welcomed Officer Joseph Reese to the Harrison Police Department.
Cincinnati Incorporated Recognized
The Greater Harrison Chamber of Commerce recognized Cincinnati Incorporated as its Member of the Month.
The family-owned manufacturing company has operated in Harrison since 1953 and employs more than 250 people locally. Company leaders thanked the City and Chamber for their partnership and spoke about the generations of Harrison families who have worked at the company.
Charter Review Moves to Council
Charter Review Commission Chair Joe Combs presented the commission’s recommendations following six public meetings and a review of the entire City Charter. The Charter Review Commission’s slide presentation and a redlined version of the proposed Charter changes are available below.
The Charter establishes how Harrison’s government is structured and operates. It is reviewed every five years to determine whether updates are needed.
Among the recommendations are formally adding the city administrator position to the Charter, changing the process for filling Council vacancies, establishing additional qualifications for mayoral candidates and updating provisions related to public bidding, recalls and annual financial audits.
The recommendations do not change the Charter on their own. Council may accept, revise or decline individual proposals and may divide them into separate ballot questions. Any Charter amendment placed on the ballot must ultimately be approved by Harrison voters.
Council members will review the recommendations over the next several weeks. The deadline to submit proposed amendments for the November ballot is Sept. 4.
Around Harrison
City leaders thanked a Carolina Trace contractor who used heavy equipment to clear storm-damaged trees blocking emergency crews from reaching a reported entrapment.
Council also shared that new flooring will be installed at the Harrison Community Center in August, following recent improvements that include new lighting, paint and removal of the former carpeting.
The America 250 Car Show is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 8, from noon to 4 p.m. in downtown Harrison. Participating vehicles must arrive by 10 a.m., and preregistration closes Aug. 6.
Review the Charter Recommendations
Residents are encouraged to review the recommendations as Council considers its next steps. The Charter Review Commission’s slide presentation and a redlined version of the proposed Charter changes are available below.
To watch the full July 21 City Council meeting, visit ICRC-TV below for the complete recording.
Charter Review Commission’s Slide Presentation: