Belpre City Council Meeting
The Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Belpre,Ohio was called to order by Council President Mr. Neff at7:30 p.m.with Mr. Neff welcoming everyone to this evening’s meeting. The roll was called with the following members present: Ms. Abdella, Mrs. Marshall, Mr. Martin, Mr. Newberry, Mr. Robinson, and Mr. Wallace present. Also present were Mayor Lorentz, Safety-Service Director Mr. Ferguson, City Auditor Miss Pittenger, City Law Director Mr. Webster, Treasurer Mr. McAfee, and Clerk of Council Mrs. Meredith. Absent from the November 26, 2012 meeting was Councilmen Sinnett.
At this time, Mr. Neff asked that everyone please stand for the prayer and remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. McAfee gave the invocation.
Mrs. Marshall moved to accept the minutes ofNovember 12, 2012as presented and by-pass the reading. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Reports of City Officials
Mayor Lorentz’s presented his report:
On November 14th I attended a workshop inZanesville with some of our school teachers and administrators. Battelle for Kids is the title and it is focused on bringing clarity to school improvement. We spent a lot of time discussing partnership possibilities with industry, business and city governments.
The 15th was the Annual Chamber of Commerce Dinner. Our speaker was interesting, dinner was good and the awards to our business community were rewarding and well thought out.
Mayor Joe Matthews and I attended the Career Day at WashingtonState. We enjoyed having time with the entire contingency of 10th graders inWashingtonCounty. Mayor Joe and I had a wonderful time explaining our role in government as well as getting their take on the good and bad in today’s government.
On Wednesday the 21st I spent most of the day with Mr. Palmer’s Government class at Belpre High School. The class will hold their election this Friday and promise to let me know the results for our program the 10th.
Mr. Ferguson and I met with our insurance carrier so to discuss the rate change for the upcoming year.
Chief Clevenger, Mr. Ferguson and I did start the interview process for a police officer. We should have this concluded before our next meeting.
The Holiday Season kicked off Friday night with the Holiday Lights Parade. Our volunteers do an amazing job building and maintaining these light displays.
Safety-Service Director Mr. Ferguson announced that he is able to mark the insurance carrier and the police interviews from his list.
Mr. Ferguson stated that the Board of Public Appeals Public Hearing was held at7:25 PMprior to this evenings meeting to discuss lot variance located at 1448 Boulevard Drive.
DominionEast Ohiocontinues to replace pipeline in our area. There has been 16,000 feet of pipeline already replaced with another 5,000 feet onMain Street.
I have had several concerned citizens contact me about persons walking up and downLee Street. I have contactedAEPand they are to install street lights to help these folks see the individuals walking up and down the road.
City Auditor Miss Pittenger began her report by thanking Mayor Lorentz for his boat and time in providing an amazing float for the lights parade for Belpre in Bloom.
Since our last meeting there have been 150 plus Administrative Subpoena’s sent out for delinquent payments and non-files for clean up of our 2011 City Income Tax.
I will be working with the Law Director in the Month of December preparing legislation to STRONGLY OPPOSE THE PASSAGE OF HB 601 BY THE OHIO GENERAL ASSEMBLY WHICH PROPOSED UNIFORMITY MEASURES FOR MUNICIPAL INCOME TAX IN THE FORM OF UNFUNDED MANDATES AND A SUBSTANTIAL LOSS OF REVENUE, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
City Law Director Mr. Webster had no report for the Law Director’s Office.
Treasurer Mr. McAfee had no Treasurers Report. Mr. McAfee thanked all those whom participated in the Light Parade hosted by the Belpre Lions Club. There were 21 participants registered, 10 or 12 not registered, plus horses. The parade was very nice.
Communications and Petitions: none.
Report of Standing Committee:
Ms. Abdella reported that the Finance/Audit Committee met prior to this evening meeting to discuss Supplemental Appropriations for 2012. At this time Ms. Abdella made a motion to add to tonight’s agenda for first reading AN ORDINANCE SUPPLEMENTING 2012 APPROPRIATIONS. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Abdella also made a motion to add to tonight’s agenda for first reading A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE TWO AGREEMENTS WITH COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAMS CORPORATION OF WASHINGTON-MORGAN COUNTIES, OHIO. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Sinnett, Police and Fire Committee, was absent. No report was given in his absence.
Mr. Wallace, Streets, Sidewalks and Storm Sewer had no report
Mr. Robinson had no report for the Utilities Committee.
Mr. Martin, Parks and Recreation Committee reported that his committee met prior to this evenings meeting to discuss raising the park shelter rentals from $25 to $40 for four hours. It is the recommendation of the committee to move forward with raising the cost to help cover some of the expenses in our parks. Mr. Ferguson is to keep Mr. Martin informed of any communication on the space where Bent Links is located.
Mrs. Marshall, Planning and Zoning Committee had no report. Mrs. Marshall made a motion to add to tonight’s agenda the “Reconsideration of First Reading of AN ORDINANCE CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION OF CERTAIN REAL ESTATE BY JAMES C. HOSELTON AND LINDA J. HOSELTON. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye except Ms. Abdella whom abstained because it was family property.
Mrs. Marshall also stated that council was in agreement to hold over the legislation on AN ORDINANCE CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION OF CERTAIN REAL ESTATE BY NEW LIFE CHRISTIAN CENTER CHURCH. Members’ requesting this rezoning was unable to attend tonight’s meeting.
Mrs. Marshall had no report for Economic Development.
Mr. Newberry had no report for the Rules Committee. Mr. Newberry stated that there was a card going around council to sign to send to Mr. Baker.
Persons Appearing Before Council – Agenda items only.
Mr. Neff read the following correspondence.
Chester D. Smith, MD prepared a letter regarding the re-zoning of property at405 John Street,Belpre,OH. Mr. Smith had major concerns regarding this rezoning because it had been stated that it could potentially “make a good bar” or at the least, be a good “business opportunity” for someone. Mr. Smith is trying to sell his home and has had several potential buyers but because of this potential rezoning they have reneged.
A letter was received from Mr. Jack Haddox and signed by property owners in the area of406 John Street. According to the letter as a property owner in this area, communication was received from the City ofBelpre, regarding changing zoning for the above address from C-3 to C-2. C-3, being Marine Use Only and C-2 being Commercial. The rezoning would open this property up for “any commercial business” in the event the sale does not go through, or the intended business did not succeed. That being stated, the residential areas, I believe would be affected by noise, transportation and future concerns of any kind, depending on type of business to be at this location. A concern also is that this would open any property in this immediate area to “spot zoning” and as stated earlier, what is planned for today can be subject to change at anytime, once the rezoning takes effect. Property values would be lowered as well as making it difficult to sell a residential property with a commercial zoning so close. The letter was signed by near by property owners. This letter has been placed on file for review.
Tricia Dillon, current owner of the residence located at401 John Street,Belpre,Ohioappeared before council in favor of the rezoning of the property for business use.
James Hoselton,415 John Street, appeared before council stating that Mr. Sam Jackson had been trying to get in contact with Mr. Jack Haddox however has been unable to do so. He stated that he wanted his name removed from the letter opposing the change.
Brenda Carpenter, Little Hocking,Ohioand her husband appeared before council in regards to the rezoning of405 John Street. According to Mr. Carpenter they wanted to put a welding shop in and possibly build a home. There equipment has already been moved into the shop awaiting the approval of the rezoning.
Mr. Carpenter, Little Hocking,Ohiostated that the property at405 John Streetwould be used only for welding and for fabricating steel. The question came up if there would be any noise. According to Mr. Carpenter the only noise would be inside the structure.
Unfinished Business:
Ms. Abdella brought before council for third reading TEMPORARY APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE FOR CALENDAR AND FISCAL YEAR 2013. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Abdella moved this be Ordinance #16, 2012-2013 and duly passed. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Abdella brought before council for third reading AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING A CREDIT CARD USE POLICY. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Abdella moved this be Ordinance 17, 2012-2013 and duly passed. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Robinson brought before council for third reading AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CODIFIED ORDINANCE AS TO DRUG PARAPHERNALIA. Discussion followed by the law directors. Mayor Lorentz stated that this is one step closer to legalizing. There are so many kids here in the city that this can affect. Mr. Lorentz stated that he is not in favor of this ordinance. A vote was taken with two members of council voting aye, four members voting nay. After discussion Mr. Martin changed his vote to yes. President of Council broke tie vote to yes.
Mr. Robinson moved this be Ordinance 18, 2012-2013 and duly passed. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Newberry brought before council for third reading AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE EDITION AND INCLUSION OF CERTAIN ORDINANCES AS PARTS OF THE VARIOUS COMPONENT CODES OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF BELPRE, OHIO. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Newberry moved this be Ordinance 19, 2012-2013 and duly passed. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mrs. Marshall brought before council for second reading AN ORDINANCE CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION OF CERTAIN REAL ESTATE BY CONTINUING HEALTHCARE SOLUTIONS. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye. This will lie over until the next meeting of council.
The proposed property regarding AN ORDINANCE CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION OF CERTAIN REAL ESTATE BY NEW LIFE CHRISTIAN CENTER CHURCH has been removed until January 2013.
New Business:
Mrs. Marshall brought before council for first reading the “Reconsideration of First Reading on AN ORDINANCE CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION OF CERTAIN REAL ESTATE BY JAMES C HOSELTON AND LINDA J HOSELTON”. Discussion followed.
It was recommended that since this was just going to be used for welding and fabrication shop that the legislation be amended. A vote was taken on the recommendation to amend the legislation. One abstained, four voted aye and one voted nay.
A motion was made for the first reading as amended on AN ORDINANCE CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION OF CERTAIN REAL ESTATE BY JAMES C HOSELTON AND LINDA J HOSELTON. A vote was taken with one voting to abstain, two voting nay and three voting aye. Motion failed.
New Business:
Ms. Abdella brought before council for first reading A RESOLUTION SUPPLEMENTING YEAR 2012 APPROPRIATIONS. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Abdella moved to suspend the rule of council on three different days to allow for the second reading of A RESOLUTION SUPPLEMENTING YEAR 2012 APPROPRIATIONS. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Abdella brought before council for second reading A RESOLUTION SUPPLEMENTING YEAR 2012 APPROPRIATIONS. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye. This will lie over until the next meeting of council.
Ms. Abdella brought before council for first reading A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE TWO AGREEMENTS WITH COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM CORPORATION OF WASHINGTON-MORGAN COUNTIES, OHIO.
A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Abdella moved to suspend the rule of council on three different days to allow for the second reading of A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE TWO AGREEMENTS WITH COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM CORPORATION OF WASHINGTON-MORGAN COUNTIES, OHIO. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Abdella brought before council for second reading A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE TWO AGREEMENTS WITH COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM CORPORATION OF WASHINGTON-MORGAN COUNTIES, OHIO. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye. This will lie over until the next meeting of council.
Mr. Martin made a motion to excuse Mr. Sinnett from this evenings meeting. Mr. Sinnett is working. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Webster stated that the Law Director’s Office is not in favor of the legislation regarding Drug Paraphernalia.
Persons Appearing Before Council: none
A reminder that December 10th is Student Government Day. I would ask members of council to try and be present that day for the students. There will be an itinerary for the day.
Adjourn:
Mr. Robinson made a motion to adjourn at8:55 p.m. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.